Amazon has revealed its plan to discontinue certain features in the Kindle Store for older Kindle devices. This decision will affect some of the earliest e-readers, such as the Kindle 1st Generation from 2007. The changes are set to take effect on May 20, 2026, impacting Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets released before 2012.
After the specified date, users of these devices will lose the ability to buy, borrow, or download new books directly from the Kindle Store. Nevertheless, previously downloaded content will remain accessible, allowing users to continue reading their existing library without interruption.
While the reading function will remain operational, older devices that are deregistered or reset post the deadline will not be able to reconnect to the Kindle Store. Users will be required to seek new content through newer Kindle models, the Kindle mobile app, or the web version of the platform.
A list of devices affected by these changes includes the Kindle 1st Generation (2007), Kindle DX, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle Touch, Kindle 5, Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation, Kindle Fire 1st Gen, Kindle Fire 2nd Gen, Kindle Fire HD 7, and Kindle Fire HD 8.9.
Amazon has initiated the notification process for impacted users via email in advance of the transition on May 20, 2026. The company is reportedly offering a 20% discount on newer Kindle devices and a $20 ebook credit for eligible users to facilitate the transition, valid until June 2026.
In a prior update, Amazon made changes to how Kindle eBooks function by allowing publishers and authors to offer DRM-free eBooks in formats like EPUB and PDF. This change enables users to read the eBooks on a broader range of devices beyond Kindle hardware or apps. However, adoption of this feature is optional, and most major publishers have refrained from supporting DRM-free books due to piracy concerns.