Amazon has announced the discontinuation of support for several older Kindle models, prompting users to consider upgrading to newer devices. Starting May 20, 2026, devices such as the Kindle 5 and Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation) will no longer be able to download new titles from the Kindle Store. While existing books will remain accessible, users will not be able to purchase, borrow, or add new content after the specified date.
Affected users are being informed via email about the upcoming changes and are being offered a 20% discount on select new Kindle models, along with a £15 eBook credit to facilitate the transition. Amazon clarified that accounts and Kindle Libraries will still be accessible through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web.
The impacted 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 devices can continue reading existing downloads, but will not be able to acquire new content or re-register the devices if they are deregistered or factory reset.
Considering the limitations imposed on these older devices, upgrading to newer models may be beneficial, especially with the recent launch of Amazon’s latest Kindle Scribe devices in the UK. Launched on April 8, these new models are thinner, faster, and include a colour display option for the first time. The new Kindle Scribe starts at £449.99, while the colour-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is priced from £569.99.