Email from Amazon:
Starting May 20, 2026 we are discontinuing support for Kindle devices released in 2012 or earlier.
Affected devices include Kindle 1st and 2nd Generation, Kindle DX and DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle Touch, Kindle 5, and Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation.
Why? My 1st Gen device is working perfectly. They are creating eWaste.
@NormanDunbar
Control.
Amazon are unable to do the more controlling & spyware firmware on the PaperWhite 1 and earlier.
Kindle / Amazon DRM isn't about stopping Piracy, it's about Amazon control and tracking.
As an aside the KFX format (unlike azw3 / KF8) on all the later Kindles changes the formmating from what the Publisher decided.
Your Kindle can still be used with Gutenberg and even Kobo shop (DRM removal may be required) which isn't locked to Kobo ereaders or app.
NormanDunbar
Ray McCarthy