Amazon has made an announcement regarding the discontinuation of support for several older Kindle models, prompting users to consider upgrading to newer devices. Effective May 20, 2026, various models, including the Kindle 5 and Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation), will lose the ability to download new content from the Kindle Store. While existing books on these devices will remain accessible, users will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or add new content after the specified date.
Amazon stated that devices released in 2012 and earlier will no longer have access to the Kindle Store for new content acquisition. Affected users are being notified via email about the upcoming changes. To facilitate the transition, Amazon is offering a 20% discount on select new Kindle models and a £15 eBook credit.
The impacted Kindle models include the Kindle 1st Generation (2007), Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009, 2010), Kindle Keyboard (2010), Kindle 4 (2011), Kindle Touch (2011), Kindle 5 (2012), and Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012).
For users with these affected devices, it is essential to note that while existing downloads can still be accessed, no new purchases or downloads will be possible after the specified date. Deregistering or factory resetting these devices will render them unusable.
Considering the end of support for older models, upgrading to newer devices may be a sensible choice. Amazon recently launched its latest Kindle Scribe devices in the UK, featuring thinner designs, faster performance, and, for the first time, a colour display option. The new Kindle Scribe is priced at £449.99, while the colour-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft starts at £569.99.