Amazon to Cease Support for Older Kindle Models, Sparking User Frustration
Amazon has announced it will discontinue support for Kindle models released during or before 2012, effective from 20th May. This decision will prevent owners of these older devices, including early Kindle Touch and some Kindle Fire tablets, from purchasing, borrowing, or downloading new digital content via the Kindle Store.
The technology giant has acknowledged affected users, stating it has supported these models for many years and is offering discounts to facilitate a transition to newer devices. However, the announcement has been met with widespread criticism, with some users expressing outrage at the prospect of up to two million functional devices becoming 'obsolete'.
User Discontent and Environmental Concerns
Many long-term Kindle users have taken to social media to voice their frustration. One user on X highlighted owning a Kindle Touch since 2013 that 'works great' but is now suddenly obsolete. Another queried why a 'low-tech device' primarily for text display requires ongoing updates.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the change, stating, 'These models have been supported for at least 14 years—some as long as 18 years—but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward.' Affected users will still be able to read existing content, and their Kindle Libraries will remain accessible via mobile and desktop applications. However, performing a factory reset on these older Kindles will render them unusable.
Concerns also extend to the environmental impact. Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, estimates that rendering two million devices obsolete could generate over 624 tonnes of e-waste, challenging Amazon's rationale of improved performance from newer models.
Industry Perspective
Tech industry analyst Paolo Pescatore suggested that while frustrating for owners, Amazon's decision is 'understandable from a security and support perspective'. He noted that older devices are not equipped for modern, 'data-hungry' services and features. However, he also warned that losing connectivity could transform a once seamless device into a 'far more limited offline tool'.
The models affected include the Kindle (2nd Generation) International, Kindle DX International, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle (4th Generation), Kindle (5th Generation), Kindle Touch (4th Generation), Kindle Fire (1st Generation), and Kindle Fire (2nd Generation).
