Amazon to end support for older Kindle devices

Amazon is ending support for Kindle devices released before 2012 as of May 20, 2026, removing access to the Kindle Store and forcing users to upgrade to newer devices or alternative platforms. This move raises significant concerns about planned obsolescence and electronic waste, with affected devices remaining fully functional but rendered commercially unusable—a trend mirrored across the tech industry that IT leaders should monitor regarding their own legacy system strategies. For CIOs, this case study illustrates the tension between backend infrastructure modernization and customer impact, highlighting the reputational and environmental risks of aggressive end-of-life policies.