A thinner, faster Kindle family
Amazon has overhauled its full range of e-readers, with the basic Kindle, Paperwhite and Colorsoft all becoming roughly one millimeter slimmer than their predecessors. The devices open books 30% faster, and the power button has been moved from the bottom edge to the upper right side. The refresh also brings new color choices and, for the first time, an aluminum casing option alongside the traditional soft-touch plastic. Kevin Keith, Amazon's vice president of Kindle, told The Verge that every model now includes user-replaceable batteries to meet European Union regulations.[S1][S2]
Basic Kindle: new finishes and a premium aluminum variant
The entry-level Kindle is already available from $149.99 in two finishes: a purple shade called ube and a more subdued graphite. This version offers 16 GB of storage and lock-screen ads, but improves on the previous generation with a uniform transition between frame and screen, leaving behind the recessed display design. The standout addition is an aluminum variant priced at $189.99, which doubles storage to 32 GB and removes on-screen advertising. The finish feels compact and pleasant to the touch, especially when paired with the new magnetic folio case.[S1]
With the case included, the total comes to $239.98 ($189.99 for the reader and $49.99 for the case), placing it in the same range as the Paperwhite, a model with higher pixel density and automatic screen dimming at $199.99.[S1]
Paperwhite and Colorsoft: Signature Editions and new accessories
The screen specifications of the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft remain unchanged, though both add new color options that, unlike earlier generations, cover the entire reader rather than just the back. According to Keith, this change relies on a technique that applies a black layer between the panel edges to prevent the casing color from showing through the screen. Both models will be available from October 28 and can already be pre-ordered. The aluminum versions of the Paperwhite and Colorsoft, priced at $249.99 and $319.99 respectively, correspond to the new Signature Editions. These include pogo pins on the back, compatible with a $79.99 magnetic case that adds physical page-turn buttons, in a design reminiscent of the discontinued Kindle Oasis.[S1][S2]
The Signature Editions do not include wireless charging. Instead, Amazon offers a $59.99 charging dock that allows the device to charge upright via the pogo pins. Amazon also added the Kindle Click to its catalog, a $34.99 Bluetooth remote that lets users turn pages without being near the device. It includes side buttons to adjust screen brightness. Its main buttons are soft and silent to the touch. The accessory is lightweight, includes a wrist strap to prevent loss, and recharges via USB-C. It is compatible with Kindle models released from 2024 onward.[S1]
Launch timing and broader hardware push
The company presented these updates during the hardware launch season that Apple typically leads. In the same week, Amazon also refreshed its streaming catalog with a new Fire TV Stick 4K, which can be powered directly from the TV's USB port without needing an additional power adapter.[S1]
