Amazon is discontinuing support for several older Kindle models, affecting the ability to download new content from the Kindle Store. The changes will take effect on May 20, 2026, impacting devices like the Kindle 5 and Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation).
While existing books on these devices will still be accessible, users will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or add new content after the specified deadline. Amazon has stated that these models, supported for at least 14 years and some up to 18 years, will no longer receive support due to technological advancements.
To assist affected users, Amazon is notifying them via email and offering a 20% discount on select new Kindle models along with a £15 eBook credit. Accounts and Kindle Libraries will remain accessible through the Kindle app and Kindle for Web.
The affected 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).
Users with these Kindles can still read downloaded books but will not be able to acquire new content post the May deadline. Resetting or deregistering these devices will render them unusable.
Considering the end of support for these models, upgrading to newer devices, especially with the recent launch of the latest Kindle Scribe devices in the UK, may be beneficial. The new Scribe models, introduced on Amazon’s UK site on April 8, are thinner, faster, and feature a color display for the first time. Prices for the new Kindle Scribe start at £449.99, while the color-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft starts at £569.99.