Amazon and Apple prepare for upcoming hardware refreshes

Leaks and documentation updates suggest imminent hardware refreshes from both Amazon and Apple.

Amazon is reportedly preparing a new Fire TV Stick 4K (2026) and a 12th-generation Kindle. Leaked images of the Fire TV Stick indicate a more angular, compact design and a redesigned remote featuring a backlit, animated Home button and new shortcut keys for favorites and settings. The new streaming platform may utilize Vega OS. Additionally, Amazon has implemented significant price reductions on existing Fire TV, Echo, and Kindle devices ahead of Prime Deal Days.

Apple is also expected to launch a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. Recent updates to Apple’s support documentation regarding lossless audio mention the current 3rd-generation model “or later,” hinting at a successor. Rumored upgrades for the new Apple TV include the A19 or A20 Pro chip, increased RAM (up to 12GB) to support Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity via a new N1 wireless chip. The device is expected to maintain its current compact design while focusing on internal performance improvements.