Amazon Kindle, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft 2026: Specs, Price, Release Date
Amazon has updated its Kindle lineup with new base, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft models, featuring faster page turns and thinner, lighter designs. The new devices include options for aluminum construction and various subscription-based kids' bundles.
Why it matters
These updates reflect Amazon's strategy to maintain dominance in the e-reader market by introducing color displays and premium materials to their hardware ecosystem.
On Thursday, the company introduced a handful of new Kindle models: a new 6-inch base Kindle, a 7-inch Kindle Paperwhite, and a 7-inch Kindle Colorsoft. You can buy Signature Editions of the latter two and Kids versions of the entire range, which include artist-designed kids cases, a year of Amazon's worry-free guarantee for damage, and a year of Kids+, the company's subscription service that offers unlimited access to ad-free, child-appropriate books.
The highlight is Amazon's use of aluminum for the Kindle's construction rather than traditional plastic. The starting tier is plastic, but you can upgrade to an all-aluminum model (Amazon uses 80 percent recycled aluminum) if you prefer that Kindle model and you just want something more robust.
It can get a little confusing with all the different SKUs, so here's a quick rundown:
Kindle (plastic, 16 GB, lock screen ads): $150
Kindle (aluminum, 32 GB, no ads): $190
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