Amazon is discontinuing support for older Kindle models, prompting users to consider upgrading to newer devices. As of May 20, 2026, several aging e-readers, including the Kindle 5 and Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation), will no longer be able to download new content from the Kindle Store. While existing books on these devices will remain accessible, users will not be able to purchase, borrow, or store new titles after the specified deadline.
Affected customers are being notified via email by Amazon, with the company offering a 20% discount on select new Kindle models and a £15 eBook credit to aid in the transition. Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 or earlier are impacted by this change, as technology advancements have rendered continued support for these models unfeasible.
Users are reassured that their accounts and Kindle Libraries will remain fully accessible through the Kindle app and Kindle for Web. The affected Kindle models include the 1st Generation Kindle (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).
If you own one of the affected Kindles, you can still read previously downloaded books on them, but you won’t be able to acquire new content after the deadline. Additionally, deregistering or factory resetting these devices will render them unusable.
Considering an upgrade may be beneficial, especially with Amazon’s recent launch of the newest Kindle Scribe devices in the UK. These latest models, introduced on April 8, feature a thinner design, enhanced speed, and for the first time, a colour display option. The new Kindle Scribe starts at £449.99, while the colour-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is priced from £569.99.