Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry
Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry
Amazon is set to discontinue support for its older Kindle models, a decision that has sparked frustration among long-time users. In a communication sent to affected customers, the company acknowledged their loyalty but announced that devices released in or before 2012 will no longer receive updates from May 20, 2026. This change means users of pre-2012 Kindles, including early models like the Kindle Touch and select Kindle Fire tablets, will lose the ability to download fresh e-books from the Kindle Store.
User Reactions Highlight Concerns
While Amazon emphasized that these devices have been supported for years and that discounts were offered to help users upgrade, many have criticized the move for rendering up to two million devices obsolete. One user shared their disappointment on X, stating, “I have a Kindle Touch that I’ve had since 2013, it works great, I bought a book on it a few months ago, and suddenly it’s obsolete.” Another expressed bewilderment, noting, “A Kindle is a text device! There is no need for updates.”
“It does show how much of a part that Kindle plays in my life,” said Kay Aaronicks, 46. She added that the device has been essential for carrying her books while working and traveling. “I love paper books like anyone does, but the Kindle is more practical,” she remarked.
Aaronicks also raised concerns about ads on newer discounted models, arguing they could disrupt the reading experience. “It’s about taking yourself away from reality and disconnecting from advertising, marketing, social media, all those other things we’re surrounded with in life,” she explained.
Industry Perspective on the Shift
Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore noted that while the decision may inconvenience users of still-functional devices, it is justified from a security and maintenance standpoint. “The challenge is that these devices were built for a different era and are not equipped to run newer, more data-hungry services and features,” he told the BBC. However, Pescatore warned that older hardware losing access to updated systems could transform once-reliable devices into limited offline tools.
Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, highlighted the recurring issue of manufacturers phasing out older models to promote newer ones. “However, that’s hardly a good reason for soft-bricking millions of still functioning devices,” he said. Vallauri pointed out that even though Amazon claims only 3% of current users will be impacted, this could translate to over 2 million devices becoming obsolete, potentially contributing to more than 624 tons of e-waste.
Additional reporting by James Kelly. Outside the UK? Sign up here.