Amazon Alexa updates

Every Alexa and Echo change that matters, summarised in plain English each month. What's new, what moved, and what to check.

2 write-ups New one within a week of each release Full archive

Latest release

2026.8 Released 5 August 2026

Update now

The headline: Alexa+ opened in Australia on 5 August, by invitation and free during Early Access. After that it's included with Prime, or A$29.99 a month for everyone else.

In this release 3 smaller wins · 13 integrations added · 0 removed · no breaking changes

Check first Nothing to check. Every setup is clear to update.

Read the full 2026.8 breakdown

How Alexa updates work

Alexa changes arrive through the Alexa app and automatic firmware updates that Echo devices install themselves, usually overnight, alongside features switched on server-side. There is rarely anything for you to install, which also means changes land unannounced.

Each month we round up what actually changed for Alexa households: new features, changed behaviour, retired features, and anything worth checking in your own setup. Rundowns are named for the month they cover, so 2026.7 is July's.

Every update we've covered

Newest first. Each rundown covers one month of changes.

Every release we've covered

2026

2026.8 Alexa+ finally lands in Australia August 2026 none breaking 2026.6 Echo becomes a kids' bedtime companion June 2026 1 breaking

A new write-up lands here within a week of every monthly release. Next update lands early September.