Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry
Amazon to Discontinue Support for Older Kindles, Sparking User Frustration
Amazon has announced it will cease providing updates for Kindles from 2012 and earlier, a decision that has ignited backlash from customers. In a communication, the company acknowledged longtime users but stated that devices released before or during that year will no longer get software updates starting 20 May 2026. This means owners of older models, such as the Kindle Touch and certain Kindle Fire tablets, will lose the ability to access new e-books. While Amazon emphasized it has supported these models for years and offered discounts to encourage upgrades, some users argue the move renders up to two million devices outdated.
One user expressed disappointment, stating,
“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 considered obsolete.”
Another remarked,
“A Kindle is a text device! There’s no need for updates.”
These comments highlight the emotional impact of the decision, with users questioning the necessity of abandoning older hardware.
In a statement, an Amazon representative explained,
“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 evolved significantly over that time. Moving forward, these devices will no longer be supported.”
The company clarified that users can still read previously downloaded e-books, and their accounts and libraries will remain accessible through mobile and desktop apps.
Industry Perspectives and Environmental Concerns
Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore noted that while the change might inconvenience users with functional devices, it is “understandable from a security and support standpoint.” He explained,
“The challenge is that these devices were built for a different era and lack the capacity to handle newer, data-intensive features. Ageing hardware can also introduce technical hurdles.”
However, Pescatore warned that older devices losing connectivity to modern services could transform them into “limited offline tools.”
Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, criticized the decision, saying,
“Manufacturers often promise better performance with newer devices, yet this practice has been seen before. It’s not a strong justification for making millions of still-working devices obsolete.”
Vallauri also highlighted the environmental cost, noting that the change could lead to 2 million devices being discarded. “This might result in over 624 tons of e-waste,” he added, stressing the need for sustainable device usage.
Additional reporting by James Kelly. Outside the UK? Sign up here for our Tech Decoded newsletter to stay updated on global tech trends and innovations.
