Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry
Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry
Amazon has announced it will discontinue support for older Kindle devices starting May 20, 2026, leaving some customers upset. The tech company informed affected users via email that models launched in or before 2012 will no longer receive updates. This change impacts devices like the Kindle Touch and certain Kindle Fire tablets, which will lose the ability to access new content from the Kindle Store.
User frustration over obsolescence
Despite being functional for years, users expressed anger over the decision, which they claim renders up to two million devices obsolete. One customer, posting under the name X, shared their dismay: “I’ve had my Kindle Touch since 2013. It works great, and I bought a book on it just months ago. Now it’s obsolete.” Another user called the device “probably one of the most low-tech gadgets ever made,” questioning why Amazon would stop backing it.
“A Kindle is a text device! There is no need for updates.” — Frustrated user
Amazon’s reasoning for the shift
In a statement, an Amazon representative explained: “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 advanced significantly, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward.”
The company noted that users will still retain access to e-books already downloaded and can continue using their accounts and libraries through mobile and desktop apps. However, it warned that resetting an older Kindle to factory settings could leave it unable to function properly.
Environmental and usability concerns
Kay Aaronricks, 46, told the BBC she was surprised by the announcement, noting the emotional impact of possibly losing full use of her 14-year-old device. “It shows how much the Kindle means to me,” she said. “I’ve used it to carry all my books while working and traveling. I love paper books, but the Kindle is more practical.”
“It’s about disconnecting from advertising, marketing, and social media—things we’re surrounded by in life.” — Kay Aaronricks
Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, highlighted the broader issue of manufacturers phasing out older models. “This decision has been seen before, but it’s hardly a good reason to soft-brick millions of still-working devices,” he said. While Amazon claims only 3% of current users will be affected, Vallauri estimated the move could result in over 2 million devices becoming obsolete, potentially leading to 624 tons of e-waste.
Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore acknowledged the decision’s practicality. “It’s understandable from a security and support standpoint,” he said. “These devices were built for a different era and can’t handle newer, data-intensive features. Aging hardware also creates challenges.” However, he added that losing connectivity to updated services could transform a once-smooth tool into a limited offline device.
Additional reporting by James Kelly. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow global tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.