Amazon Ends Support for Kindle Devices Released in 2012 or Earlier

Amazon has discontinued support for Kindle e-readers released in 2012 or earlier. This change prevents these devices from accessing the Kindle Store or downloading new content. The announcement was made in emails sent to affected customers this week.

The policy applies to models such as the Kindle Keyboard, Kindle Touch, and earlier versions. Owners of these devices will no longer receive software updates or be able to purchase and download books from Amazon's digital library. TechCrunch reported that the devices become virtually unable to load any new content as a result.

Affected Devices and Timeline Support ends immediately for devices manufactured in 2012 or prior years.

Amazon's decision aligns with its practice of phasing out older hardware to focus on newer models. Wired noted that the cutoff is for Kindles older than the 2012 edition. Customers received notification emails detailing the change.

No specific end date was provided beyond the immediate effect, but the restriction on new content access is now in place. This impacts an estimated number of users who have retained older models for reading.

Implications for Users Users with unsupported Kindles can still access previously downloaded content offline.

However, they cannot buy or download new books, periodicals, or updates through the device. Amazon encourages upgrading to newer models compatible with current services. The move affects a segment of long-time Kindle users who preferred the durability of older hardware.

No compensation or extended support options were mentioned in the announcements. This follows similar end-of-support decisions for other Amazon devices in recent years.