Amazon’s Kindle Software Updates page is now showing a new update for all Kindle Scribes and all Kindle ereaders released in 2024 and later.
The new software version is 5.20.1 for all listed models, which is weird because my new Kindle aluminum is running 5.20.1.0.1 and my Ube Kindle just updated to 5.20.1.0.1 from 5.20.1 as well, so there’s an even newer version floating around out there that isn’t showing up.
The new Kindles are not listed on that page yet, though, so we’ll have to wait for Amazon to update the page.
Since using the new Kindles for 2026, I haven’t noticed any differences with the update compared to the previous 5.19.6 software, and Amazon’s release notes for 5.20.1 don’t show any changes.
However, the 5.20.1 update does add some new features to the Kindle Scribes. Here’s the changelog:
Version 5.20.1 – September 2026
Here’s what’s new:
Dictate with microphone: Use your voice to type in Kindle Scribe. Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard to dictate text in Search, book and document annotations, and notebook names.
Handwritten Sticky Notes (Fixed Layout): You can now add handwritten sticky notes in fixed layout eBooks or personal documents. Use the sticky note tool in the writing toolbar or select text and use the action menu.
Performance improvements, bug fixes, and other general enhancements.
The 2022 and 2024 Kindle Scribes don’t have a microphone so that feature is limited to the newest models.
Early reports seem to suggest this update doesn’t kill the new Vera jailbreak, but it’s still being tested so we’ll have to wait and see how that works out, and I haven’t seen anything about it regarding the 5.20.1.0.1 update. If you don’t want the update turn airplane mode on now.
My SE 12th Gen is much faster and responsive with this update.
Also I checked to see what the trade in value would be for the new aluminum kindle and I would get $30 off plus a $30 gift card.