- HBO Max now requires Fireplace OS 6 or in a while Fireplace TV units
- Some Fireplace OS 5 units have been bought as just lately as 2020
- Fireplace OS has been outmoded by Vega OS on newer units
When you have a Fireplace TV machine from 2020 or earlier it’s possible you’ll lose entry to the HBO Max app — it solely impacts you in case your machine is working Fireplace OS 5, however that is nonetheless estimated to be “thousands and thousands” of individuals, doubtlessly.
The information comes through AFTVnews, which noticed that the HBO Max app assist web page has been up to date and particulars Fireplace OS 6 because the oldest supported model of Amazon’s TV OS.
That is dangerous information in case you have the older OS, as a result of whereas Amazon does ship software program updates to present {hardware}, it nearly by no means upgrades the model of the operating system.
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AFTVnews notes that “this likely leaves millions of Fire TV devices still in use with no way to access one of the most popular streaming services.”
That means if you’ve got one of the affected devices and you’re looking forward to whichever Game of Thrones spin-off is coming next, it’s time to buy a newer model.
What does HBO Max say about Fire TVs?
HBO isn’t the only streamer to stop supporting older Fire TV devices. Netflix ended support for first-gen Fire TV devices in 2025 because the streamer now relies on video formats those devices don’t support.
You can see the list of HBO Max supported devices here, and underneath Amazon Fireplace TV it says “Amazon Fireplace TV units with Fireplace OS 6 or later [or] Vega OS 1 or later. This consists of Fireplace TV Stick units, Fireplace TV Dice, Echo Present units, and Sensible TVs with Fireplace TV inbuilt.”
Fireplace OS 5 is on Fireplace TV merchandise bought between 2015 and 2020, together with the second era Fireplace TV stick. That was an enormous vendor, so HBO dropping assist goes to have an effect on lots of people’s units.
From Amazon’s perspective, upgrading the OS on older units is not at all times the most effective coverage: newer OSes are constructed for newer {hardware}, and that may imply issues bringing new variations to units they weren’t constructed for.
And having individuals purchase new fashions does not simply allow Amazon to promote you a brand new Fireplace Stick working its new and preffered Vega OS: it additionally means transferring individuals to a model of the product that may’t be used for sideloading or dodgy free streaming.
On the time of publishing, offers on newer Fireplace TV units (or Roku units, if you happen to’re feeling somewhat burned by Fireplace TV) aren’t widespread, however they’re widespread, so maintain your eyes open if you happen to want an improve.
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