Amazon has announced that support for several older Kindle models will be discontinued soon, preventing users from downloading new content from the Kindle Store. The change will take effect on May 20, 2026, affecting models such as the Kindle 5 and Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation).
Although existing books on these devices will remain accessible, users will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or add new content to their devices after the specified date.
Affected users are being notified via email about the upcoming restriction on new downloads. Amazon is offering a 20% discount on select new Kindle models and a £15 eBook credit to assist with the transition for affected customers.
The impacted Kindle 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 affected devices will be able to read previously downloaded books but will no longer have the option to acquire new content. Furthermore, if these devices are deregistered or factory reset, they will be rendered unusable.
Consider upgrading if you own one of the affected Kindles, especially since Amazon has recently released its latest Kindle Scribe devices in the UK. The new Scribe models, introduced last year, are now available on Amazon’s UK site, featuring improved design, speed, and even a colour display option.
The new Kindle Scribe starts at £449.99, while the colour-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is priced at £569.99.