Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry
Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry
Amazon is set to discontinue support for earlier Kindle models, sparking user frustration. In a recent communication, the tech company informed customers that devices manufactured in or before 2012 will no longer receive updates starting 20 May 2026. This decision has left many long-time users expressing disappointment, particularly those who rely on older devices like the Kindle Touch and certain Kindle Fire tablets.
The move means users will lose the ability to download fresh e-books, though they can still access previously stored content. Amazon defended the change, stating it has supported these models for years and provided discounts to encourage adoption of newer versions. Despite this, critics argue the decision may render up to two million devices obsolete, according to estimates.
“I’ve had my Kindle Touch since 2013, and it still works perfectly. I bought a book on it just months ago, and now it’s considered outdated,” a user shared on X, tagging Amazon in their post.
“A Kindle is a text-based device! Why would updates be necessary?” another user remarked, questioning the need for ongoing support.
In a statement, Amazon explained: “From May 20, 2026, customers using Kindles and Kindle Fires released in 2012 or earlier will no longer access new content through the Kindle Store. These models have been supported for at least 14 years—some for as long as 18—but advancements in technology mean they’ll no longer be maintained.”
The affected devices include the initial Kindle models, such as the Kindle Touch, and several Kindle Fire variants. While users can continue reading e-books they’ve already downloaded, their accounts and libraries will remain accessible via Amazon’s apps. A factory reset on these devices, however, may leave them non-functional.
User concerns and e-waste impact
Kay Aaronricks, 46, told the BBC she was taken aback by the announcement, noting the emotional weight of potentially losing full use of her 14-year-old Kindle. “It highlights how integral that device is to my daily life,” she said, emphasizing its role in enabling her to carry all her books while working and traveling.
“I love physical books as much as anyone, but the Kindle is more practical,” Kay added. She also raised concerns about advertisements on discounted newer models, which she believes could disrupt the reading experience by introducing distractions from marketing and social media.
Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore acknowledged the decision as reasonable from a security and support standpoint. “These devices were designed for a different time and can’t handle modern, resource-heavy services,” he noted, though he warned the shift could transform a once-seamless tool into a limited offline device.
Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, highlighted the pattern of manufacturers phasing out older products to promote newer ones. “It’s not a strong justification for making millions of still-working devices unusable,” he said. Vallauri estimated the change could result in 2 million obsolete Kindles, potentially contributing over 624 tons of e-waste.
Additional reporting by James Kelly. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
