Amazon has revealed that several older Kindle models will no longer be supported, leading to a halt in new content downloads from the Kindle Store starting May 20, 2026. This change impacts devices such as the Kindle 5 and the first-generation Kindle Paperwhite. While existing books can still be accessed, users will not be able to acquire new content or store new titles on these devices after the specified date.
The affected models, released in 2012 or earlier, will no longer permit purchasing, borrowing, or downloading of new content. Amazon is actively notifying users via email about this update and is offering a 20% discount on select new Kindle models along with a £15 eBook credit to assist with the transition.
Kindle users will still have access to their accounts and libraries through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web. The affected models include the Kindle 1st Generation (2007), Kindle DX, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle Touch, Kindle 5, and Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation.
Users are advised that if they own one of the impacted devices, they can still read their existing downloads but will not be able to acquire new content after the deadline. Additionally, if the devices are deregistered or factory reset, they will become unusable.
Considering this change, upgrading to newer devices may be beneficial, especially with Amazon recently launching its latest Kindle Scribe models in the UK. The new models are thinner, faster, and offer a color display option. The new Kindle Scribe starts at £449.99, while the color-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is priced from £569.99.