Amazon to discontinue support for older Kindle devices

Amazon is preparing to end support for Kindle devices released before 2012. This move will effectively disconnect those models from the Kindle Store and limit their ability to access new content. The company has set May 20, 2026, as the cutoff date.

Amazon recently informed customers via email about the upcoming change, a message that was also shared on social media and Reddit, and the company later confirmed it. According to the notification, Kindle e-readers and tablets launched in 2012 or earlier will lose access to Kindle Store features after the deadline. As a result, users will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new books directly on those devices.

After the cutoff date, affected devices will only function with content that has already been downloaded. Additionally, if one of these older devices is deregistered or reset to factory settings, it will not be possible to register it again once support ends.

The list of impacted models includes several early-generation devices, such as the first and second-generation Kindle, Kindle DX and DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4 and 5, Kindle Touch, and the first-generation Kindle Paperwhite.

Jesse Carr, a spokesperson for Amazon, explained that these devices have been supported for a long period, with some models receiving updates for up to 18 years. He noted that technological advancements have made continued support impractical and confirmed that the company is notifying active users while offering promotional incentives to encourage upgrading to newer devices.

Users will still be able to access their digital libraries through more recent Kindle devices, the Kindle mobile app, or Kindle for Web, according to the company.

The announcement has sparked criticism from longtime Kindle users, many of whom argue that their devices remain fully functional. Discussions on Reddit highlight frustration among users who feel the decision forces unnecessary upgrades even when the hardware is still working properly. Some see it as part of a broader trend in the tech industry, in which support for older products is discontinued, contributing to increased electronic waste.

One user commented that their Kindle continues to perform well even after years of use, questioning the sustainability of making devices obsolete when they are still operational.

The issue of electronic waste continues to grow globally. According to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, global e-waste is expected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, representing a significant increase compared to 2022 levels. Similar concerns were raised when Google discontinued support for older Nest thermostats in 2025.

As a result of Amazon’s decision, some users are considering switching to alternative e-ink readers such as the Boox Palma or devices from Vivlio.

The move does not come as a complete surprise. Amazon has gradually reduced support for older Kindle models over the years. Back in 2016, the company required devices released in 2012 or earlier to install software updates to retain access to the Kindle Store, signalling that long-term support for those devices was likely to end.