Book lovers with aging Kindles might want to find a new e-reader soon, as Amazon is discontinuing support for its older devices next month.
On May 20, the e-commerce giant is set to cut off support for devices released in 2012 or earlier, notifying active users of the affected devices via email.
“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,” an Amazon spokesperson told Fast Company.
While the devices will still be able to power on, users will no longer be able to purchase or download new content for them. Additionally, users who deregister or factory-reset their devices will lose access.
The decision is not set to affect the user’s Kindle account. Customers will still be able to access their purchases and buy more books through their Kindle account, and they’ll be able to access it via the Kindle app on their personal devices or via Kindle for the web.
Additionally, owners who wish to purchase a new device to continue using the Kindle services on an e-reader will receive 20% off select new Kindle devices.
Which Kindle devices are affected?
Kindle initially launched in November 2007, selling out in six hours. Since then, dozens of new versions have been added to Amazon’s flagship product line. Here’s the list of devices affected by the upcoming support cutoff.
- Kindle: Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
- 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)
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)
Users mourn their Kindles
For many users who have spent more than a decade with their Kindle, preparing to part ways might be a difficult feat.
One user on Threads even shared that her Kindle, which is soon to be discontinued, belonged to her grandmother. “Every time I pick it up to start a new book for a client, it feels like she’s cheering me on as I chase my dream,” the user wrote.
But its not just the sentimental value of the device that raised concerns for the user. “They have a great battery life, no glitches,” her post said. “Now I’m going to be forced into buying myself a new piece of technology that I can’t easily afford and definitely do not need.”
“I’d be frustrated too,” a Threads user responded to the post. “It feels wasteful to be pressured into buying a new product when yours is working fine, alongside the sentimental value and financial cost.”
But some users point out that discontinuing support for older devices is standard practice in the tech industry.
“Why are we acting like Amazon is the only company that doesn’t support tech after a certain number of years?” a user responded.
“I’m probably going to get hate for this but . . . they can’t support devices indefinitely, another user added. “There has to be a cutoff at some point, and 14 years support is actually incredibly good.”