According to a number of reports on Reddit from people that have received emails from Amazon, access to the Kindle store is going to be coming to an end on all Kindles without touchscreens starting on August 17, 2022.
From reading the email that was posted at Reddit, it sounds like this change mostly applies to the Kindle 3 (also known as the Kindle Keyboard), the Kindle 4 and the Kindle 5, as well as international Kindle 2’s and Kindle DX’s.
Since the Kindle 1, the Kindle 2, and the Kindle DX don’t have Wi-Fi this already happened last year in the US when the 3G towers were shut down, but the international versions must have a later shutdown date so that’s why they are included in this round.
However, the Kindle 3, 4 and 5 are now being added to the list of Kindles that will lose access to the Kindle store, regardless of cellular connectivity. The bottom line is it appears that Amazon no longer wants to support a store on Kindles that don’t have touchscreens.
Those devices will still be able to download new ebooks and previously-purchased ebooks. Customers just won’t be able to shop from the Kindle store on those devices anymore. They’ll have to use a computer or a phone or other device instead.
The non-touch Kindles are all over 10 years old now so it kind of makes sense that Amazon doesn’t want to keep maintaining a way for them to navigate the Kindle store when all newer devices now have a touchscreen interface.
Apparently Amazon is offering some customers affected by this 30% off on a new Kindle and a $40 ebook credit.
Check this help page at Amazon for more details: Non-Touchscreen Kindle Devices – Access to Kindle Store FAQ.
Here’s a copy of the email that Amazon is sending out:
Thank you for continuing to use one of our earliest Kindle devices. While you can continue reading on your device, as of August 17, 2022, store functionality will no longer be available. This change only affects certain devices introduced 10+ years ago (listed below). As of August 17, you’ll no longer be able to browse, buy, or borrow books directly from these Kindle devices. As always, you’ll be able to browse, buy, and borrow books on other supported devices or through amazon.com/ebooks.
Which Kindle devices are affected? Kindle (2nd Gen) International, Kindle DX International, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle (4th Gen), and Kindle (5th Gen). Our records show at least one of these devices is registered to this email address. Visit Manage your Content and Devices to see all your registered devices. If you are unsure which device(s) you have, visit Identify Your Kindle for more information.
Can I still read on my Kindle? Yes. You can still access your existing library from your Kindle, deliver newly purchased or borrowed books to it, or download books from your “Archived Items.”
How can I shop for Kindle books after August 17, 2022?
- Visit amazon.com/ebooks in a browser on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Use the Kindle Store on a touchscreen Kindle or Amazon Fire tablet.
- Upgrade to a new Kindle. Use code [REDACTED] to save 30% and get $40 in eBook credit. Offer valid through July 5, 2022, at 11:59 PM (PT). Terms and Conditions apply.
If you have any questions, please visit our FAQ or contact our Customer Service team who will be happy to help you.
Regards, The Kindle Team
via: Reddit
I have touch screen kindles although I have the DX which I bought for elderly mom who kept accidentally hitting the touch screen – she couldn’t figure out how to find her book again.
But, I don’t buy books from my kindle. I don’t borrow books from my kindle. I use my phone.
I wish PDF books I borrow from the library would be able to be sent directly to my kindle.
You should be able to send PDFs using the SendToKindle apps. As long as they are not bigger than the limit.
Library ebooks have DRM so that’s not going to work…
My dedicated Kindle reader is still my black Kindle 5 so this news is kind of disappointing. I never was a fan of the extra glass required for touch screens in kindles, and I really like how the font seems to rest almost on top of the screen like real paper on a Kindle 5. I still think it’s a great reading experience and I own two of them. Probably time to get out of the Amazon network anyway and stick strictly with my Kobo Aura One (I’ve clearly stuck it out with idler devices 🙂
This only affect shopping. You can still get books for it but using your computer. You should be able to use it otherwise.
I am bloody sick and tired of this obsession with touch-screen tech for EVERYTHING! Obviously it’s much cheaper for the manufacturers to do away with physical buttons but I much prefer to be able to press a physical button to say, return to the homepage or page forward or back etc. This obsession with flicking, swiping and tapping has gone too far.
If ANYBODY can point me to an e-reader/Kindle with real buttons I would be most grateful.
Cheers