Amazon Unveils Kindle Plans for 2026: New Devices and Features

Amazon continues to dominate the e-reader market, with significant plans for its Kindle line in 2026. The tech giant has confirmed the upcoming release of the Kindle Scribe without front-light, a budget-friendly model priced at $300. This device retains the same 11-inch screen used in the 2025 Kindle Scribes and includes new AI drawing features. Expected to launch within the first few months of 2026, this model is poised to be heavily discounted during promotional events, including Mother’s Day and Prime Day.

In late 2024, Amazon introduced several models, including the Kindle Basic, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. Given their recent release, it is unlikely that these models will see any updates in 2026. This decision aligns with the anticipation surrounding new E INK technology, particularly the potential introduction of Kaleido 4 and E INK Carta 1400, although specific release dates remain uncertain. Currently, the 12th generation Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition utilize the Carta 1300 technology.

Software Upgrades and New Features

In addition to hardware updates, Amazon is enhancing the software experience for its Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. A full dark mode is set to roll out in early 2026, allowing users to invert text and background colors for a more comfortable reading experience. According to the updated product listing on Amazon, “System-wide Dark Mode will be rolled out in 2026,” which will affect notebooks, documents, and PDFs. This feature will complement the existing Page Color feature, which enables users to toggle book pages to a black background with white text.

Amazon has also indicated that many software features introduced in the latest Kindle Scribe models will be available for earlier generations of the Kindle Scribe by early 2026. These include improvements to the home screen, as well as integration with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. New AI functionalities are also on the way, including a feature called Story So Far, designed to provide readers with a recap of their current book without revealing any spoilers. Another recent introduction, Ask this Book, allows users to highlight text and receive answers to questions about characters or plot significance without revealing crucial story elements.

Changes to E-Book Downloads

A significant shift in Amazon’s approach to e-books is set to take place in January 2026. Users will soon be able to download DRM-free Kindle books in EPUB and PDF formats. This change, effective January 20, 2026, will allow verified purchasers to access these formats from their Manage Your Content and Devices page. However, books borrowed through services like Kindle Unlimited will not be eligible for download, even if they are DRM-free.

This development is a response to longstanding criticism regarding Amazon’s restrictive policies, often characterized as a “walled garden.” By enabling users to download books in more accessible formats, Amazon is likely to enhance user experience and flexibility, marking a significant milestone in the digital book ecosystem. The impact of this change will largely depend on whether publishers and authors choose to offer DRM-free content for both existing and future titles.

Michael Kozlowski, a veteran journalist with over eighteen years of experience covering audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers, notes that this move could reshape how readers engage with digital literature. As Amazon prepares for 2026, it remains to be seen how these changes will influence consumer behavior and the broader e-book market.