Amazon has announced that support for several older Kindle models is coming to an end soon, affecting devices like the Kindle 5 and Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation). Starting May 20, 2026, users of these e-readers will no longer be able to download new titles from the Kindle Store. While existing books will remain accessible, no additional content can be acquired or stored on these devices after the deadline.
Amazon mentioned that these models, released in 2012 or earlier, have been supported for at least 14 years but will no longer receive updates due to technological advancements. Affected users are being notified via email and offered a 20% discount on select new Kindle models, along with a £15 eBook credit to facilitate the transition.
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 can still read previously downloaded books on these devices but will not be able to access new content post the cutoff date. Deregistering or factory resetting these Kindles will render them unusable.
For users with affected models, upgrading to newer devices may be advisable, especially with Amazon’s recent launch of the latest Kindle Scribe devices in the UK. The new Kindle Scribe models, introduced on April 8, are sleeker, faster, and feature a colour display for the first time. Pricing for the new Kindle Scribe starts at £449.99, while the colour-display Kindle Scribe Colorsoft begins at £569.99.