Amazon has made an announcement that certain older Kindle models will soon lose support, affecting users’ ability to download new titles from the Kindle Store. The change is set to take place on May 20, 2026, impacting devices like the Kindle 5 and the first-generation Kindle Paperwhite.
While these aging devices will continue to operate normally and existing downloaded books will remain accessible, they will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or store new content after the deadline in May.
Amazon mentioned that customers using Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier will be affected by this change. The company is proactively contacting users via email to alert them about the upcoming restriction on new downloads. To aid in transitioning to newer models, Amazon is offering a 20% discount on select new Kindle devices along with a £15 eBook credit.
The affected models include the Kindle 1st Generation (2007), Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009, 2010), Kindle Keyboard (2010), Kindle 4 (2011), Kindle Touch (2011), Kindle 5 (2012), and Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012).
Users with these devices can still read their existing downloaded books, but they will not be able to acquire new content or re-register the devices if they perform a factory reset. Considering the situation, upgrading to newer Kindle models may be a beneficial option.
Amazon recently introduced its latest Kindle Scribe devices in the UK, featuring thinner designs, improved speed, and, for the first time, a color display option. The new Kindle Scribe starts at £449.99, while the color-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft begins at £569.99.