Amazon is facing a proposed class action lawsuit in the US over claims it effectively “bricked” early Fire TV Stick devices, raising questions of how long consumer tech should be supported.

The lawsuit targets first and second generation Fire TV Sticks, released in 2014 and 2016, alleging the devices became unusable or severely degraded after Amazon ended software support in late 2022 and early 2023.

Users report sluggish performance, constant buffering and failing remotes, with some claiming the issues forced them to upgrade to newer hardware.

Plaintiffs argue Amazon failed to clearly disclose how long the devices would receive updates, accusing the company of deceptive marketing and breach of consumer trust. The case is seeking damages and broader class action status across affected users.

While the devices received around seven to eight years of updates – longer than many smart TVs – critics say performance declined sharply after support ended, with key apps gradually dropping compatibility. Netflix, for example, ceased functioning on the older sticks in 2025.

The dispute highlights a growing global issue of how long tech companies should maintain software support for connected devices. Competing platforms have taken different approaches, with Google supporting its original Chromecast for roughly a decade and some premium devices like Apple TV and Nvidia Shield receiving longer update cycles.

Amazon has since introduced clearer policies, promising “at least” four years of software updates for newer Fire TV models and publishing detailed support timelines.

Regulators are also taking notice. The US Federal Trade Commission has previously warned that failing to disclose update lifespans could mislead consumers, potentially amounting to deceptive conduct.