Amazon retires Fire Tablet line as Alexa Tablets gain Play Store

Amazon is reshaping its tablet strategy by launching a new trio of Alexa Tablets that run Android at launch, rather than Amazon’s Fire OS. The devices, announced today, will seamlessly sync with your Amazon account across devices and will upgrade to Android 17 in early 2027. The move means these tablets get full access to Google’s Play Store, greatly expanding the app and game options compared with recent Fire Tablet generations.

All three models center around Alexa Plus, Amazon’s on-device AI experience that can answer questions, manage calendars and pull content from Amazon’s vast media catalog. The company positions them as portable entertainment hubs that can also double as lightweight work devices when paired with keyboards and styluses. Amazon says the ecosystem will keep your place across devices, so starting a movie or ebook on a tablet can easily pick up where you left off on another screen.

The lineup comprises a high-end 12 Pro, a mid-range 11, and a compact 8. Each model shares some core features, including cloud syncing, Kindle mode to reduce blue light and improve battery life, and Dolby Atmos audio. The 12 Pro stands out with a larger, higher-end display, more RAM options and a keyboard accessory that can turn the tablet into a makeshift laptop. The 11 and 8 trim back on some features but still emphasize media and light productivity.

Pricing in the United States starts at $500 for the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, with the 11 and 8 models positioned below that entry point. The company says Fire Tablets will wind down production as remaining stock sells off, and Amazon commits to at least four years of software updates, including security patches and OS updates, for the new tablets.

For people who already use Amazon’s services, the new tablets promise a streamlined experience. A dynamic home screen is designed to surface movies, shows, books and games you’ve been enjoying, while a shared library of Audible and Kindle content remains easily accessible in one place. The devices also come with USI 2.0 pen support on the 12 Pro and an optional pogo pin keyboard for the most keyboard-like experience, though the 11 model drops the USB-C-connected keyboard option for a slightly leaner setup.

In short, Amazon is betting big on a more open software approach for its tablets, anchored by the Alexa AI experience and deep ties to Amazon’s media catalog, with the Play Store unlocking a broader app ecosystem than ever before on an Amazon slate.