Amazon has announced plans to phase out support for several older Kindle models, a move that could limit long-time users from accessing new titles through the Kindle Store.
Beginning 20 May, Kindle devices released in or before 2012 will no longer receive software updates. This change affects a range of early models, including the first-generation Kindle Touch and some early Fire tablets. Estimates suggest that around two million devices may be impacted.
Despite the update cutoff, users will still be able to read books they have already downloaded. Their Kindle libraries and accounts will remain available through mobile apps and desktop platforms. To ease the transition, Amazon is offering discounts to encourage users to upgrade to newer devices. However, the company has warned that performing a factory reset on affected devices could render them unusable.
The decision has sparked backlash among users online. Many have expressed disappointment, arguing that functional devices are being prematurely pushed toward obsolescence. Some critics claim this could lead to unnecessary electronic waste, with devices effectively becoming useless despite still working.
The models affected include several early Kindle e-readers such as the first-generation Kindle (2007), Kindle DX series, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4 and 5, Kindle Touch, and the first Kindle Paperwhite. Early Kindle Fire tablets, including the first and second generations and the HD versions released in 2012, are also on the list.
Ugo Vallauri, a representative of the Restart Project, an organization that promotes repairing electronics, criticized the move. He noted that while companies often highlight improved performance in newer models, it is not a sufficient justification for disabling millions of still-functional devices. He also pointed out that even if only a small percentage of users are affected, the total could still translate into millions of devices and significant electronic waste.
On the other hand, tech analyst Paolo Pescatore suggested the decision makes sense from a technical standpoint. He explained that older devices were not designed to handle modern software demands and may struggle with newer features and services. Additionally, aging hardware can create performance and security challenges.
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