Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry

Amazon to end support for older Kindles, sparking user frustration

Amazon has announced that it will soon discontinue support for older Kindle models, a decision that has sparked user frustration. In emails shared by the tech giant, affected customers were acknowledged as “longtime Kindle users” but informed that devices launched in or before 2012 will no longer receive updates from 20 May 2026. This change means owners of older models, including the Kindle Touch and certain Kindle Fire tablets, will lose access to new content from the Kindle Store.

The move comes as Amazon claims these devices have been supported for years, with active users offered discounts to “transition to newer models.” However, some have criticized the decision for rendering up to two million devices obsolete. “I’ve had my Kindle Touch since 2013, and it works perfectly,” one X user shared in a post, tagging Amazon. “Yet, suddenly it’s outdated.”

“A Kindle is a text device! There’s no need for updates,” another user remarked, highlighting concerns about the device’s simplicity and the rationale behind ending its support.

Amazon stated that the affected models have received support for at least 14 years, with some as long as 18 years. The company explained that technological advancements have made it necessary to phase out older hardware. “These devices will no longer be supported moving forward,” the spokesperson noted, emphasizing the shift in technology over time.

Users will still be able to read previously downloaded e-books, and their accounts and Kindle Library will remain accessible via the mobile and desktop apps. However, a factory reset on these devices will render them unusable for future updates. Kay Aaronricks, 46, expressed surprise at the announcement, noting the emotional impact of losing full use of her 14-year-old Kindle.

“It shows how much that Kindle has become part of my daily life,” Kay said, adding that the device allowed her to “carry all my books” while working and traveling. “I love physical books, but the Kindle is more practical.”

Kay also raised concerns about advertisements on newer, discounted Kindle models, arguing that they could disrupt the reading experience. “It’s about disconnecting from advertising, social media, and the distractions we face every day,” she explained.

Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore acknowledged the decision as “understandable from a security and support standpoint,” noting that older devices may struggle with modern, data-intensive services. “They were built for a different era,” he told the BBC, “and can’t handle the latest features.”

Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, criticized the practice of discontinuing support for older devices, even if they still function. “This isn’t a new issue,” he said, pointing out that “aging hardware” often leads to millions of devices being rendered obsolete. Vallauri warned that the shift could generate over 624 tons of e-waste, as estimates suggest the change affects 2 million devices.

Additional reporting by James Kelly. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world’s top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.