A surprising upgrade could be on the way for new Kindle models ‣ Diverse Daily

I’ve got more than a few criticisms of Kindle devices, whether it’s Amazon’s walled-garden ecosystem, the company’s recent decision to end support for older models, or the lock-screen ads it crams onto devices that you still have to pay to remove.

But one thing I’ve generally given Amazon credit for is its consistent Kindle software updates. Kindle devices regularly receive updates that add new features, improve performance, and fix bugs that have frustrated users.

Recently, though, things have been a bit messy. The last Kindle software update, 5.19.3, was pulled from release by Amazon, likely because it introduced more bugs than it fixed. And now its follow-up, software update 5.19.4, was also released and then quickly pulled for reasons that haven’t yet been made clear.

However, while it sucks that Amazon has pulled yet another Kindle update from release, there is some good news to come out of this. Before Amazon pulled the update, the folks over at Good E Reader spotted something in the release notes that could hint at a significant upgrade for future Kindle models: removable, user-replaceable batteries.

Replaceable batteries could be coming to new Kindles

Kindles could soon last a lot longer

All of Amazon’s newest Kindle models have non-replaceable batteries, so if the battery degrades or no longer holds a charge properly, the only real option is to replace the entire device.

However, it looks like Amazon might be preparing to bring back replaceable batteries for future Kindle models. In the 5.19.4 update notes, the company included the following message related to battery issues (via Good E Reader):

“This battery cannot be recognized and may not perform as expected. Charging has been limited to protect your device. To restore 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 the replacement instructions.”

With Amazon rumored to launch new Kindles later this year, this could suggest that upcoming models may include user-replaceable batteries, a change that would be a major win for repairability and the longevity of Kindles. It also hints that Amazon may sell battery replacement kits for Kindles, though it’s not clear whether these would be made by Amazon or a third party.

Why might Amazon be doing this?

You can thank the EU

As for why Amazon might be revisiting replaceable batteries after moving away from them in previous Kindle generations, it likely ties into upcoming European Union regulations.

In 2023, the EU passed legislation that will take effect in February 2027, requiring electronic devices to have batteries that are “readily removable and replaceable.” There are some exemptions, including for devices whose batteries can maintain at least 80 percent capacity after 1,000 charge cycles, such as the iPhone.

Based on the battery note included in software update 5.19.4, it seems Amazon is opting for a readily removable battery for its Kindles rather than meeting the lifespan requirements set by EU legislation. That isn’t too surprising, given that Kindle devices are pretty battery-efficient and don’t require a battery as powerful as an iPhone’s.

Amazon hasn’t officially announced any new Kindles yet or indicated when it will, so take this battery news with a grain of salt for now. But with new EU battery legislation set to take effect in 2027, it seems likely that user-replaceable batteries are on the table for new Kindle models slated for release later this year or in 2027.