Amazon has made an announcement regarding the discontinuation of certain features in the Kindle Store for its older Kindle devices. This change will affect early e-readers like the Kindle 1st Generation, released in 2007. The adjustments are scheduled to take effect on May 20, 2026, impacting Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets released in 2012 or earlier.
After the specified date, users of these devices will no longer be able to make new book purchases, borrow books, or download content directly from the Kindle Store. However, previously acquired content will still be accessible for continued reading. Devices that are deregistered or reset post the cutoff date will lose access to the Kindle Store, necessitating users to obtain new content through newer Kindle models, the Kindle mobile app, or the web version of the platform.
A list of devices affected by this change includes the Kindle 1st Generation (2007) with a physical keyboard and scroll wheel, followed by the Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010), Kindle Keyboard (2010), Kindle 4 (2011), Kindle Touch (2011), Kindle 5 (2012), Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012), Kindle Fire 1st Gen (2011), Kindle Fire 2nd Gen (2012), Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012), and Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012).
Amazon has initiated the notification process for impacted users via email in advance of the transition on May 20, 2026. Additionally, the company is offering a 20% discount on newer Kindle devices and a $20 ebook credit to eligible users to facilitate the transition, valid until June 2026.
In a separate move, Amazon has modified how Kindle eBooks operate by permitting publishers and authors to offer DRM-free eBooks in formats like EPUB and PDF, enabling broader device compatibility beyond Kindle hardware or apps. However, this option is voluntary, and major publishers have been cautious due to piracy concerns, resulting in limited adoption.