Amazon Fire TV Stick class action alleges devices ‘bricked’ after software support ended

Amazon class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Bill Merewhuader filed a class action lawsuit against Amazon.com Inc. and Amazon.com Services LLC.
• Why: Merewhuader claims Amazon misled consumers by selling Fire TV Stick devices that were unlawfully disabled through software updates.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in California state court.

Amazon is facing a class action lawsuit alleging it intentionally rendered older Fire TV Stick devices unusable by discontinuing software support while continuing to market the products as offering “instant” streaming capabilities.

According to the complaint, Amazon promoted its first- and second-generation Fire TV Stick devices as providing instant access to hundreds of thousands of movies and television shows across major streaming platforms. The lawsuit claims those advertised features were central to consumers’ purchasing decisions.

Plaintiff Bill Merewhuader alleges Amazon later removed or limited critical software functionality, causing the devices to become slow, difficult to use or effectively inoperable. 

The class action lawsuit describes this practice as “bricking,” meaning the devices lost their primary functionality despite the hardware remaining intact.

Merewhuader says he purchased two second-generation Fire TV Stick devices in 2018 but began experiencing significant performance issues within a few years. He alleges the devices eventually became unusable, forcing him to purchase newer versions in 2024.

The lawsuit claims Amazon stopped providing software updates for first-generation devices in December 2022 and discontinued support for second-generation devices shortly thereafter, despite allegedly representing that support would continue through 2024.

Amazon allegedly reduced device features to push consumers to upgrade

Merewhuader argues Amazon failed to disclose that the devices’ core streaming functionality could be reduced or eliminated before the end of the hardware’s useful life. 

The class action lawsuit further alleges Amazon did not offer refunds or compensation to affected consumers and instead encouraged them to purchase newer models.

The lawsuit alleges Amazon’s practices amount to “software tethering,” where a product’s functionality depends on ongoing software support controlled by the manufacturer.

According to the class action, Amazon maintained the ability to limit or discontinue features after purchase, effectively shortening the usable life of the devices and pushing consumers to upgrade. The lawsuit cites concerns raised by federal regulators about the risks of companies using software updates to restrict products consumers already own.

Merewhuader asserts claims under California consumer protection laws as well as breach of contract and related claims. He seeks to represent nationwide classes of consumers who purchased first- or second-generation Fire TV Stick devices, along with California subclasses.

The class action lawsuit seeks damages, restitution, injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees and an order requiring Amazon to compensate affected consumers.

Meanwhile, two Florida residents recently sued Amazon.com and Amazon.com Services, alleging the companies unlawfully charged and collected sales tax on purchases of tax-exempt items.

What do you think about these Amazon Fire TV Stick claims? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Jeffrey D. Kaliel and Sophia Goren Gold of KalielGold PLLC and Annick M. Persinger of Tycko & Zavareei LLP.

The Amazon class action lawsuit is Merewhuader v. Amazon.com Inc., et al., in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.

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