A warning has been issued for UK households as Amazon prepares to stop supporting 11 older Kindle models within weeks. Up to two million devices are set to lose key features from May 20, 2026.
Which Kindle Models Are Affected?
Amazon has confirmed it will end software support for Kindle models released in 2012 or earlier. The full list includes:
- Kindle 1st generation (2007)
- Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010)
- Kindle Keyboard (2010)
- Kindle 4 (2011)
- Kindle Touch (2011)
- Kindle 5 (2012)
- Kindle Paperwhite 1st generation (2012)
- Kindle Fire 1st generation (2011)
- Kindle Fire 2nd generation (2012)
- Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)
What Will Change?
Users will still be able to read books already downloaded onto their Kindle. However, affected devices will no longer be able to connect to the Kindle Store directly. Owners cannot browse, buy, or download new e-books on the device itself. To add new books, readers must transfer them manually using a USB cable.
Amazon's Response
An Amazon spokesperson said: "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. These models have been supported for at least 14 years—some as long as 18 years—but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward." Amazon has offered discounts to help affected users transition to newer devices.
User Reactions
Some users have criticized the move. One X user wrote: "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 frustrated user described the Kindle as "probably one of the most low-tech devices ever made" and questioned why Amazon was discontinuing support, adding: "A Kindle is a text device! There is no need for updates."
