Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry
Amazon to Discontinue Support for Older Kindle Models, Sparking User Concern
Amazon has announced it will halt support for Kindle devices manufactured in or before 2012, beginning on 20 May 2026. This decision has drawn criticism from users who rely on the older models, with some expressing frustration over the change. The affected devices include the Kindle Touch and certain Kindle Fire tablets, which will no longer receive software updates or access to new content from the Kindle Store.
Impact on Users and Their Reading Experience
While Amazon emphasized its long-standing support for these models, users argue that the move renders up to two million devices “obsolete.” One user, identified as X, shared their disappointment in a post: “I’ve had my Kindle Touch since 2013, it works great, and I bought a book on it just months ago. Now it’s suddenly outdated.” Another reader noted the Kindle’s simplicity, stating, “A Kindle is a text device! There’s no need for updates.” This sentiment highlights concerns about the necessity of ongoing support for older hardware.
“I have a Kindle Touch that I’ve had since 2013, it works great, I bought a book on it a few months ago, and suddenly it’s obsolete,” one X user wrote in a post tagging Amazon.
“A Kindle is a text device! There is no need for updates.”
Despite the backlash, Amazon clarified that users can still access previously downloaded e-books and maintain their accounts and libraries through mobile and desktop apps. However, a factory reset on these devices would make them unusable, adding to the inconvenience.
Amazon’s Justification for the Change
In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson explained: “Starting May 20, 2026, customers using Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store.” The spokesperson noted that these models have been supported for at least 14 years, with some receiving assistance for up to 18 years. They cited technological advancements as the reason for the shift.
Yet, the decision has raised questions about the practicality of the change. Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore acknowledged the move as “understandable from a security and support perspective,” but pointed out that older devices “were built for a different era” and struggle to handle modern services. He warned that this could transform once-smooth devices into “far more limited offline tools.”
Environmental and Consumer Criticisms
Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, criticized the decision, stating that “manufacturers’ promises of newer devices offering better performance” often come at the cost of rendering older models useless. He noted that while Amazon claims only 3% of current users will be affected, estimates suggest this could amount to 2 million devices becoming obsolete. Vallauri highlighted the environmental impact, estimating the shift might generate over 624 tons of e-waste.
“It’s about taking yourself away from reality and disconnecting from advertising, marketing, social media, all those other things we’re surrounded with in life,” Kay Aaronicks said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the change.
“However, that’s hardly a good reason for soft-bricking millions of still functioning devices.”
Kay Aaronicks, 46, shared her surprise at the announcement, emphasizing the role her 14-year-old Kindle plays in her daily life. “It does show how much of a part that Kindle plays in my life,” she said, noting its utility for carrying books during work and travel. Though she loves physical books, she praised the Kindle’s practicality. She also expressed worry about advertisements on newer discounted models, which she believes could disrupt the reading experience.
Additional reporting by James Kelly. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
