Amazon to End Support for Older Kindles, Sparking User Outcry
Amazon has announced it will cease support for Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 or earlier, effective May 20, 2026. This decision prevents owners of approximately two million older models from purchasing, borrowing, or downloading new e-books via the Kindle Store. While users can still read previously downloaded content, Amazon warns that factory resets on these devices will render them unusable. The move has triggered significant backlash on social media, with critics arguing that many devices remain functional and questioning the necessity of such a long lifecycle before obsolescence. Experts note that while security and hardware limitations justify the update, the policy risks generating substantial electronic waste. Affected models include the original Kindle (2007), Kindle Touch, and early Fire tablets.
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Amazon to End Support for Older Kindles, Sparking User Outcry
Amazon has announced it will cease support for Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 or earlier, effective May 20, 2026. This decision prevents owners of approximately two million older models from purchasing, borrowing, or downloading new e-books via the Kindle Store. While users can still read previously downloaded content, Amazon warns that factory resets on these devices will render them unusable. The move has triggered significant backlash on social media, with critics arguing that many devices remain functional and questioning the necessity of such a long lifecycle before obsolescence. Experts note that while security and hardware limitations justify the update, the policy risks generating substantial electronic waste. Affected models include the original Kindle (2007), Kindle Touch, and early Fire tablets.
BBC News