Amazon has announced that support for several older Kindle e-readers is coming to an end, prompting users to consider upgrading to newer models. Effective May 20, 2026, devices such as 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 no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or add new content after the specified date. Amazon stated that these models, supported for at least 14 years, are now outdated due to significant technological advancements.
To assist affected users with the transition, Amazon is sending email notifications and offering a 20% discount on select new Kindle models, accompanied by a £15 eBook credit. Accounts and Kindle Libraries will remain accessible through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web.
The impacted models include 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 Kindles will be able to read existing downloads but will lose the capability to acquire new content post the deadline. Deregistering or factory resetting these devices will render them unusable.
Considering the upcoming restrictions, upgrading to newer devices may be advisable, particularly with Amazon’s recent launch of the latest Kindle Scribe models in the UK. The new Scribe devices, unveiled last year and available on Amazon UK since April 8, feature a thinner design, enhanced speed, and, for the first time, an option with a color display.
The pricing for the new Kindle Scribe starts at £449.99, while the color-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft begins at £569.99.