Amazon is phasing out support for several older Kindle models, prompting users to consider upgrading to newer devices. Effective May 20, 2026, devices such as the Kindle 5 and Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation) will no longer be able to download new content from the Kindle Store. While existing books can still be accessed, new purchases, borrows, or downloads will be restricted post the deadline.
Affected users are being notified via email by Amazon, who are also offering a 20% discount on select new Kindle models and a £15 eBook credit to ease the transition. The company reassures users that accounts and Kindle Libraries will remain accessible through the Kindle app and Kindle for Web.
The list of affected models includes 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).
If you own one of these Kindles, you can still read existing books but won’t be able to acquire new ones after the deadline. Deregistering or factory resetting these devices will render them unusable.
Considering the upcoming changes, upgrading to newer models like the recently launched Kindle Scribe devices in the UK may be a wise move. Introduced on April 8, the newest Scribe models are sleeker, faster, and now offer a colour display option. The prices for these new devices start at £449.99 for the standard Kindle Scribe and £569.99 for the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft with a colour display.