Amazon reportedly plans a shift from Fire OS to AOSP Android for its upcoming tablet

Amazon is reportedly revising its tablet software strategy. Under the internal codename “Kittyhawk,” the company is reportedly developing a high-end Fire tablet that will drop Fire OS in favor of AOSP (Android Open Source Project), according to Reuters, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Unlike standard Android devices, Amazon’s Fire tablets have long relied on Fire OS — a heavily modified fork of Android with its own app ecosystem powered by the Amazon Appstore. However, for a long time, a significant drawback of the platform was its limited app selection compared to tablets with the Play Store installed ex-works. Possibly, this seems to be one of the main factors in Amazon’s decision to explore alternatives.

Reports indicate that the new device will be priced at around $400. This is significantly higher than the current flagship Fire Max 11, which is sold for around $250. Information about the display size, internal hardware, and other technical specifications of the tablet has not yet been disclosed.

Although the device will be based on Android, it will lack Google services or the Play Store integration. For now, Amazon is choosing an independent approach to app distribution and continues to avoid cooperation with Google. That’s why it remains unclear where users will get all the necessary apps for the new device. As a result, sideloading or expanding Amazon’s own app store may play a role in this matter. However, the company has not yet confirmed any concrete plans regarding its future software strategy.