- Amazon’s next Kindle line could come with user-replaceable batteries
- The company could also start selling its own replacement kits.
- Support for older Kindles will end on May 20 and users have begun jailbreaking their devices
Amazon might be hiding something up its sleeve, and its upcoming line of Kindle e-readers could be getting an upgrade every bookworm would appreciate: replaceable batteries.
On the MobileReads forum, a handful of users started a discussion pointing to messages found in Amazon’s Kindle 5.19.4 firmware update that referred to user-replaceable batteries, as well as replacement kits and instruction guides. The firmware was then removed, but eagle-eyed users managed to share it before it disappeared.
Although it’s speculation for now, one user on the forum shared that he thinks it’s “very likely,” and also shared the following messages found in the firmware version:
“This battery cannot be recognized and may not function as expected. Charging has been limited to protect your device.”
“To return your device to its original performance specifications, we recommend installing a battery that meets Amazon specifications.”
“Go to Settings > Device Options > Battery for battery troubleshooting guidance and support.”
“Scan the QR code below to purchase a battery replacement kit and view replacement instructions.”
The move would align with a new EU regulation that will impose stricter requirements on consumer electronics. Starting in February 2027, devices like smartphones and tablets will need to have easy-to-repair batteries that don’t require specific tools, making it easier for users to replace certain pieces of hardware themselves.
In addition to replaceable batteries, Amazon’s next Kindle range is likely to include design improvements to make battery swapping easier. Most older models are sealed with adhesive, making it difficult for users to open their e-readers, while some Kindle batteries are glued to the device.
It would be a welcome update for avid e-readers around the world, but whether it’s enough to offset the closing of support for pre-2012 models is another question.
Is Amazon doing this because it has to?
Starting May 20, Kindle devices released before 2012 will lose support, meaning that while you will still be able to read books already downloaded to your device, you will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download additional books after that date. Not only that, but the company also revealed that it would be canceling its Send to Kindle feature, which allows you to wirelessly transfer e-books you purchased elsewhere, as well as documents and other files, to your Kindle.
To say this upset owners of these models would be to downplay the response it got from avid readers, but despite Amazon’s attempt to force users to unnecessarily upgrade to more expensive devices, the jailbreak bug has hit bookworms everywhere. With Amazon’s support looming, Reddit users aren’t staying quiet about how they’re modifying their devices to download third-party apps like KOReader to continue buying books, and for most, it’s the best thing they’ve ever done.
You should keep in mind that jailbreaking your device is not recommended and carries some risks. For starters, it could lead to bugs, poor battery life, and other performance issues, and then there’s the issue of piracy. But for those who are determined to avoid having to update their device, it has become a common practice, just like downloading books.
Amazon hasn’t given readers much of what they want, but now that replaceable batteries could be its next hardware upgrade, maybe this will redeem the series of bad decisions it’s made lately.
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