WIRED names 12th-gen Kindle Paperwhite top choice as Amazon phases out legacy devices
Amazon’s latest hardware push coincides with the end of support for devices released in 2012 or earlier, while WIRED’s 2026 buying guide highlights the Paperwhite as the best overall option ahead of Prime Day.
WIRED published its 2026 Kindle buying guide on 10 June, identifying the 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite as the top overall choice for consumers. The publication’s review highlights the device’s larger display, higher contrast ratio, and improved three-month battery life as key factors in its recommendation. The guide also notes the availability of two versions of the 12th-gen Paperwhite: a standard model and a Signature Edition featuring auto-adjust brightness, wireless charging, and 32GB of storage.
The article details a significant expansion in Amazon’s e-reader lineup, including the introduction of the Kindle Scribe Without Front Light and the Kindle Colorsoft Kids. The new Scribe models, launched between late 2025 and June 2026, feature an 11-inch screen, a quad-core chip, and support for Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Pricing for these devices ranges from $430 for the model without front light to $630 for the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.
In a move affecting older hardware, Amazon ceased support for devices released in 2012 or earlier as of May 2026. This update means affected models can no longer register with Amazon accounts or download new books through official services, although users can still read existing content and manually transfer documents via USB. WIRED advises buyers to verify device release dates before purchasing secondhand units, noting that older models may lack essential features like USB-C charging or warm lighting.
New colour technology is also a focal point of the guide, with Amazon launching a basic Kindle Colorsoft alongside the existing Signature Edition. Both models utilise a 7-inch display with oxide backplanes and nitride LEDs to enhance colour performance. The guide also highlights the Kindle Colorsoft Kids, which offers full-page colour for children’s books and includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, distinguishing it from other kid-specific models that offer only six months of access.
With Amazon Prime Day scheduled for 23–26 June 2026, the publication suggests this period may offer potential discounts on Kindle devices. While the guide acknowledges that older models can still provide value if found at steep discounts, it recommends the 12th-generation Paperwhite for new buyers seeking the best balance of features, battery life, and display quality.
