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 Kindles released before or during 2012, beginning on 20 May 2026. This decision has sparked significant dissatisfaction among users, many of whom feel the change renders their devices outdated. Emails sent to affected customers expressed gratitude for their loyalty, but also stated that updates will no longer be available for these models.
Among the impacted devices are the Kindle Touch and certain Kindle Fire tablets. While users can still access previously downloaded e-books, they will lose the ability to purchase or borrow new content from the Kindle Store. The company explained that these models have received support for over a decade, with some users having used them for as long as 18 years. However, Amazon emphasized that technological advancements necessitate the shift.
“I’ve had my Kindle Touch since 2013, and it works perfectly. I bought a book on it just months ago, and now it’s obsolete,” said a user on X, who tagged Amazon in their post.
“A Kindle is a text device! Why would Amazon stop supporting it?” another user questioned, criticizing the decision as unnecessary.
In a statement, an Amazon representative noted: “Starting May 20, 2026, customers using Kindle and Kindle Fire devices from 2012 or 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 evolved significantly in that time.”
Kay Aaronicks, 46, shared her surprise at the announcement, highlighting the emotional impact of losing full functionality for her 14-year-old device. “The Kindle has become an essential part of my life,” she said. “It lets me carry all my books with me while working and traveling. I love physical books, but the Kindle is more practical.” She also raised concerns about ads on discounted newer models, fearing they could compromise the reading experience.
Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore acknowledged the decision as “understandable from a security and support standpoint,” though he noted the challenge of older hardware struggling with modern data requirements. “These devices were built for a different era,” he explained, adding that outdated hardware can create technical hurdles.
Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, criticized the move as a common practice in the tech industry. “Manufacturers often promise better performance with newer models, but this doesn’t justify making millions of still-working devices obsolete,” he said. Vallauri warned that the change could result in 2 million devices being discarded, generating over 624 tons of electronic waste.
Additional reporting by James Kelly. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the latest in tech trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
