Amazon ended support for Kindle e-readers made in 2012 and earlier on May 20, 2026, cutting off new book downloads and software updates for these aging devices worldwide [1, 2]. This affects users of older models, including the 15-year-old Kindle Touch, who expressed strong personal attachment and frustration. User Claudia Buonocore said, "I’ve never felt the desire to have another device. It’s a part of me, a lifesaver, I fall asleep with it almost every night" [1]. In Chinese, she described this decision as a painful betrayal of customers after 15 years with the same device [2].
Amazon offers affected users a 20% trade-in discount and a $20 credit to buy newer Kindle models, but many longtime customers reject these offers [2]. Some users criticize new Kindles for removing physical page-turn buttons and increasing battery use and fragility. Brian Oelberg noted, "New Kindle models canceled my favorite physical page-turn button, making it impossible to read with gloves in cold weather" [2].
To keep using their old devices, some owners resort to sideloading content via USB or jailbreaking the devices to maintain offline book access [2]. One user reportedly stored about 250 books offline to extend the life of a 2012-era Kindle Touch [2].
Amazon stated it has supported the older Kindles for over 14 years and that advancing technology makes indefinite support for these legacy devices impossible. An Amazon spokesperson said, "The company has supported these devices for over 14 years. Due to technological progress, it is impossible to indefinitely maintain operation of older systems" [2].
Amazon controls roughly 72% of the e-book reader market, making this move significant for many readers globally [2]. As of May 20, downloads and updates ceased for older Kindles, requiring users who want ongoing support to upgrade or pursue unofficial workarounds [1, 2].
