Amazon.com Inc. is set to revolutionize its Fire tablet lineup by adopting the Android operating system, marking a significant departure from its proprietary Fire OS, according to six sources familiar with the matter per a report for Reuters. The move, part of an internal project codenamed Kittyhawk, aims to address long-standing consumer and developer frustrations with Amazon’s customized, “forked” version of Android, which has powered Fire tablets since their debut in 2011. This will let Fire Tablet users be able to access a wider lineup of apps because they will be on Android.
The first Android-based Fire tablet, expected to launch as early as next year, will target the higher-end market with a price tag around $400—nearly double the cost of Amazon’s current top-tier Fire Max 11, priced at $230, sources said. This positions the new tablet as a competitor to Apple’s iPads, which range from $350 to $1,200, though specific details on features like screen size, speaker quality, or memory capacity remain undisclosed. Amazon declined to comment on the project, citing its policy against responding to rumors or speculation.
Amazon’s Fire tablets have long been budget-friendly gateways to the company’s digital ecosystem, including e-books, videos, and music, often sold at or near manufacturing cost. However, the reliance on Fire OS, a modified Android variant, has limited app availability, as developers must create separate versions for Amazon’s app store. This has frustrated consumers seeking compatibility with other Android devices and access to the latest Android versions.
Despite these challenges, Amazon has sold millions of Fire tablets, holding an 8% share of the global tablet market in Q2 2025, trailing Lenovo (8.2%), Samsung (18.7%), and Apple (33.1%), according to IDC data. The company has prioritized service-based revenue, such as streaming movie rentals, over hardware profits, often at the cost of compromises like lower screen quality or battery life.
The Kittyhawk project reflects a broader philosophical shift for Amazon, which has historically favored in-house development over third-party software. The failed Fire Phone, launched in 2014 under founder Jeff Bezos, suffered from similar OS limitations and a high price, leading to a $170 million writedown. More recently, Amazon has shown openness to external solutions, notably through its investment in Anthropic, whose Claude AI powers Alexa+ and internal tools.
The new tablet will leverage open-source Android, allowing customization without direct Google involvement. Amazon also plans to introduce lower-priced tablets running its Linux-based Vega OS, currently used in some Fire TV devices, with a full transition to Android-based tablets planned over time, sources said. However, the Kittyhawk project could face delays or cancellation due to financial or other concerns.
The project’s codename, Kittyhawk, evokes the North Carolina site of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903, symbolizing innovation. Yet, it also recalls a failed Google-backed flying car startup, adding an ironic twist. Amazon declined to elaborate on the name’s significance.
As Amazon ventures into a competitive tablet market dominated by Apple and Samsung, the Android shift could enhance its appeal to consumers and developers alike, potentially reshaping its hardware strategy for years to come.
Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help. You can find Luke on X HERE.