Amazon has informed owners that it will soon stop supporting older Kindle models, a move that has sparked outrage among some users. In emails sent to affected customers, Amazon thanked them for their loyalty but announced that devices released in or before 2012 would no longer receive updates as of May 20, 2026.
This change means that owners of older Kindles, including iconic models like the Kindle Touch and some Kindle Fire tablets, will be unable to download new e-books. While Amazon claims to have supported these devices for years and offers discounts for upgrades, critics argue that this renders up to two million devices 'obsolete'.
Frustrated users took to social media to express their concerns. One user lamented, '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.' Another questioned the need for updates, stating, 'A Kindle is a text device! There is no need for updates.'
Affected models include the original Kindle (1st Generation), Kindle DX, Kindle Keyboard, and Kindle Fire from 2011 and 2012. While users will still be able to access pre-downloaded e-books and their Kindle libraries via mobile and desktop apps, Amazon warns that performing a factory reset could leave these devices unusable.
Industry analysts recognize the frustration but note that the decision is likely driven by security and technological advancements that render older devices less compatible with modern services. The Restart Project reports that this could lead to over 624 tons of e-waste, further complicating sustainability concerns in the tech industry.
This change means that owners of older Kindles, including iconic models like the Kindle Touch and some Kindle Fire tablets, will be unable to download new e-books. While Amazon claims to have supported these devices for years and offers discounts for upgrades, critics argue that this renders up to two million devices 'obsolete'.
Frustrated users took to social media to express their concerns. One user lamented, '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.' Another questioned the need for updates, stating, 'A Kindle is a text device! There is no need for updates.'
Affected models include the original Kindle (1st Generation), Kindle DX, Kindle Keyboard, and Kindle Fire from 2011 and 2012. While users will still be able to access pre-downloaded e-books and their Kindle libraries via mobile and desktop apps, Amazon warns that performing a factory reset could leave these devices unusable.
Industry analysts recognize the frustration but note that the decision is likely driven by security and technological advancements that render older devices less compatible with modern services. The Restart Project reports that this could lead to over 624 tons of e-waste, further complicating sustainability concerns in the tech industry.
