Amazon offers next-gen Alexa model as Prime perk, puts in wide release
The latest version of the Amazon Alexa voice-enabled device is now generally available for a fee in the U.S. and free to Prime members.
Initially introduced in February 2025, Alexa+ combines more than 70 large language models and agentic capabilities, supported by the Amazon Bedrock platform on Amazon Web Services.
[READ MORE: Amazon enables new Alexa model with generative and agentic AI]
Following the successful completion of an early access period that included integration of meal planning and shopping features and incorporating Alexa and other AI-based capabilities into vehicles from automakers including BMW and Hyundai, Amazon has Alexa+ is available to all customers in the U.S.
There are three options for U.S. Alexa users to get Alexa+:
- Alexa+ for Prime (free): Members of the Amazon Prime paid subscription service can get unlimited access to the full set of Alexa+ capabilities — available to the whole household, across Alexa-enabled devices, Alexa.com, and the Alexa app — for free as part of their Prime membership.
- New Alexa+ chat (free): Customers without Prime can try Alexa+ through a new free chat experience at Alexa.com and in the Alexa app. This experience features a text-based chat interface to help complete tasks like getting quick answers, planning and researching. Access to the free Alexa+ experience will be limited based on use.
- Alexa+: Unlimited ($19.99 per month): Customers can get unlimited access to the full set of Alexa+ capabilities—available to the whole household, across Alexa-enabled devices, Alexa.com, and the Alexa app.
Prime members can start using Alexa+ by saying, “Alexa, upgrade to Alexa+” or by logging into their Amazon account at Alexa.com. Customers without Prime can also start using the new free Alexa chat experience by visiting Alexa.com.
Other ways Alexa+ can help shoppers
With support for APIs and agentic AI, the new Alexa+ architecture can let customers seamlessly connect with a wide variety of retailers and services including Amazon, Whole Foods Market, Panera, Uber, GrubHub, Ticketmaster, Yelp and smart home devices.
In addition, Amazon has enabled the LLMs supporting Alexa+ to string together multiple calls in a row as well as integrate with APIs. This enables the device to handle multifaceted requests, such as booking a reservation at a specific restaurant and then sending a text message to notify a requested contact of the reservation.
