Amazon to end support for older Kindle devices in 2026

Amazon is preparing to end support for Kindle e-reader and tablet devices released in 2012 or earlier, cutting them off from the Kindle Store. After May 20, 2026, these legacy models will lose access to store functions, meaning affected users will no longer be able to buy, borrow, or download new books directly on the devices. Once the cutoff date passes, users will only be able to read content that has already been downloaded. Additionally, if an older Kindle is deregistered or reset to factory settings, it cannot be re-registered after the May 20 deadline.

According to Amazon spokesperson Jesse Carr, the affected models have been supported for at least 14 years, with some supported for as long as 18 years. Carr stated that technology has advanced significantly during that time, meaning these devices will no longer be supported. He added that the company is notifying active users and offering promotions to help with the transition to newer devices. While users can still access their libraries through newer devices, the Kindle mobile app, or Kindle for Web, the older units themselves will face restricted functionality.

The decision has sparked frustration among long-term users who argue that their devices still function perfectly. Critics view the forced obsolescence as a move to drive hardware upgrades while generating unnecessary electronic waste. One Reddit user criticized the decision, asking, “I’ve had my Kindle for years, but it still works perfectly and continues to serve me well. How wasteful is it to make a product practically unusable in order to force people to buy a newer model.” This transition highlights a broader industry pattern of sunsetting older hardware; for instance, Google ended support for its older Nest thermostats in 2025.

These decisions contribute to a growing global environmental challenge. According to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), global e-waste is estimated to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, representing a 32% jump from 2022. For some users, the end of support is prompting a shift toward alternative e-ink readers, such as the Boox Palma or Vivlio. Amazon’s gradual reduction of legacy support is not entirely new; in 2016, the company required Kindle models from 2012 and earlier to install updates simply to maintain access to the Kindle Store.

Why it matters

Amazon’s decision to sunset legacy devices highlights the tension between long-term product support and the growing global challenge of electronic waste as companies push users toward newer devices.