Kindle users feel torn as Amazon to stop supporting older e-readers

Amazon is ending support for its Kindle e-readers released in 2012 and earlier, effective from May 20. After this date, these older devices will no longer be able to download new books or receive software updates. This decision affects long-time users who have grown attached to their devices, such as Claudia Buonocore from Pittsburgh, who described her 15-year-old Kindle Touch as an indispensable part of her daily routine. Amazon is offering a 20 percent discount on newer Kindle models and $20 in e-book credits to encourage upgrades, but many loyal customers remain reluctant to switch. Users of older Kindles have expressed frustration, citing the durability and features of their devices, particularly physical page-turn buttons that newer models lack. Brian Oelberg, a Kindle Keyboard user from Chicago, plans to disable WiFi on his 2010 device to protect his collection of around 250 e-books from potential data loss. He also criticized newer models for their shorter battery life and absence of tactile buttons, which he finds essential for reading in cold weather. The move by Amazon reflects a common industry practice of phasing out support for aging technology due to security, maintenance costs, and evolving software requirements. Amazon stated that it had supported these devices for over 14 years but could not continue indefinitely as technology advances. The company, which popularized e-readers with the launch of the first Kindle in 2007, currently holds a dominant 72 percent share of the e-reader market. Despite the end of official support, some users are exploring alternative methods to keep their older Kindles functional, such as jailbreaking to install third-party software or sideloading books via USB. The change is also expected to impact small businesses and hobbyists who repair and resell older Kindles. Cathy Ryan, who refurbishes devices for resale, anticipates a decline in demand as users face the prospect of losing full functionality. While Amazon’s decision marks the end of an era for many Kindle users, it underscores the challenges of balancing technological progress with customer loyalty in the digital age.