Amazon is planning to release new Kindle e-readers soon, and they will feature user-replaceable batteries to extend the lifespan of Kindle devices.
TLDR: Amazon is getting ready to release new e-readers with batteries you can swap out yourself, no special tools needed, to comply with an EU law taking effect in February 2027. This is great news for the longevity of our e-readers.
This is the result of a new European Union law going into effect in February 2027, which requires all smartphones and tablets sold in the region to have easily replaceable batteries, no special tools required. The goal, of course, is to extend the lifespan of devices.
So this is good news, and I was wondering whether e-readers were included in the devices covered by the EU law. Amazon seems to have concluded that they are.
How do I know the new Kindle e-readers will have replaceable batteries, and not just in the EU but worldwide?
Well, a user on the MobileRead forum discovered that in firmware update 5.19.4, which was recently pulled, there was a message that read:
“This battery cannot be recognized and may not perform 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 complies with 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 instructions for replacement.”
The very old Kindle e-readers, like the discontinued models, already had fairly easy-to-replace batteries, but you still needed a few tools.
Current Kindles are built with a lot of adhesive; if you want to replace the battery, you need patience to carefully pry off the back cover and peel away the old battery held in place by glue.
That said, you can easily find these batteries on sites like eBay or other online marketplaces. But you have to be willing to tinker…
There are still a few things to clarify:
- Will Amazon release new e-readers with updated specs? If so, it’s easy to imagine the long-rumored 6-inch color Kindle being part of the lineup.
- Will Amazon sell the replacement batteries themselves, or are they counting on third-party suppliers and partners for that?
- When will these e-readers come out (before February 2027, obviously), and will prices go up?
I think this new EU law will have a positive impact on the e-reader and e-ink notepad industry.
It will also be interesting to see how brands like Kobo, Nook, Pocketbook, or Onyx respond.
Because with a replaceable battery, these new Kindles now have a real, tangible advantage over the competition!
Leave a Reply