Amazon Faces Class-Action Suit Over 'Bricked' Fire TV Sticks

Lawsuit alleges company intentionally made older devices perform poorly to spur hardware upgrades.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a tangled web of fiber-optic cables and circuit boards, representing the complex digital infrastructure behind streaming devices. The components are illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, creating a high-tech, cyberpunk aesthetic.As streaming devices age, concerns grow over planned obsolescence and the environmental impact of frequent hardware upgrades.Los Angeles Today

A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in California claims that Amazon made early versions of its Fire TV Stick devices obsolete over time, causing performance issues and rendering the devices unusable. The plaintiff alleges that Amazon did not inform buyers that the devices would lose functionality and that the company intentionally 'bricked' the older hardware to drive sales of newer models.

Why it matters

As streaming devices from major tech companies age, it's common for them to lose functionality over time. However, this lawsuit alleges that Amazon went beyond normal product obsolescence and actively sabotaged the performance of its older Fire TV Sticks, which could have significant implications for consumer trust and the company's reputation.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by Bill Merewhuader, who purchased two second-generation Fire TV Stick devices in 2018. Merewhuader claims that a few years later, he experienced slower streaming speeds, difficulty navigating menus, and long load times, eventually rendering the devices unusable. The complaint alleges that Amazon intentionally made the older devices perform poorly to spur hardware upgrades and 'bricked' the Fire TV devices 'before the expiration of their useful life'.

  • Merewhuader purchased the second-generation Fire TV Sticks in 2018.
  • Merewhuader experienced performance issues with the devices a few years later.
  • Merewhuader purchased new Fire TV Sticks in 2024.

The players

Bill Merewhuader

The plaintiff who filed the proposed class-action lawsuit against Amazon, claiming the company intentionally made early versions of its Fire TV Stick devices obsolete.

Amazon

The technology company facing the class-action lawsuit over allegations that it intentionally made older Fire TV Stick devices perform poorly to drive sales of newer models.

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What they’re saying

“Amazon intentionally made older devices perform poorly to spur hardware upgrades and 'bricked' Fire TV devices 'before the expiration of their useful life'.”

— Bill Merewhuader, Plaintiff

What’s next

The proposed class action would be open to anyone who resides in the US and who still owns a first- or second-generation Fire TV Stick as of January 1, 2023, or April 1, 2023, respectively.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges consumers face with product obsolescence and the potential for tech companies to intentionally undermine the performance of older hardware to drive sales of newer models. It raises questions about transparency, planned obsolescence, and the rights of consumers when it comes to the longevity of their purchases.