In a surprising move, Amazon has officially discontinued the Kindle Oasis, marking the end of an era for Kindle devices with page-turn buttons. First introduced in 2016 and last refreshed in 2019, the Oasis became synonymous with luxury in Amazon's e-reader lineup, offering features like an ultra-slim design, a high-resolution screen, and, of course, the beloved physical page-turn buttons.

The Rise and Fall of the Kindle Oasis

When it launched, the Kindle Oasis set itself apart from the rest of the Kindle family with its premium build and features designed to elevate the reading experience. The asymmetrical design, featuring a thicker grip on one side, made it more ergonomic to hold for extended reading sessions. The Oasis was also Amazon’s first Kindle to offer waterproofing, a feature that allowed users to enjoy reading by the pool or in the bathtub without worry.

The highlight for many, though, was the tactile feedback provided by the physical page-turn buttons. This feature harkened back to the early days of e-readers and added a level of satisfaction that touchscreen swipes couldn't quite match. Over the years, these buttons became a defining characteristic of the Oasis.

However, despite its unique features, the Kindle Oasis was a niche product within Amazon’s broader Kindle lineup. Its high price tag, paired with advances in more affordable Kindle models like the Paperwhite, made it less appealing to the average reader. The Oasis catered mostly to dedicated readers who wanted the very best in Kindle technology, but its premium status also meant it wasn't a mainstream hit.

A New Direction for Amazon's Kindle Line

Yesterday, Amazon unveiled four new Kindle models, signaling the company’s continued commitment to e-readers but also a clear shift in design philosophy. The discontinuation of the Kindle Oasis suggests that Amazon is moving toward a unified design approach that focuses on affordability, sleekness, and touch-based interactions. 

With the Oasis gone, the Kindle Paperwhite and the basic Kindle models now carry the torch for Amazon’s e-reader range. The Paperwhite, in particular, has seen steady improvements over the years, narrowing the gap between it and the Oasis. It offers a sharp display, waterproofing, and a more affordable price point, making it the more logical choice for most consumers.

While the Kindle Oasis was a beloved device for its page-turn buttons and high-end features, the reality is that the vast majority of Kindle users have grown accustomed to touch-based page-turning. The removal of the Oasis is perhaps Amazon acknowledging that the market has moved on from the need for physical buttons, focusing instead on improving other aspects like screen technology, battery life, and cloud integration.

What Comes Next for Kindle?

As the Kindle Oasis fades into history, Amazon’s current focus is clearly on innovation within its remaining e-reader lineup. The newly launched models boast better battery life, improved lighting systems, and enhanced reading experiences, all while keeping the price accessible for casual and dedicated readers alike.

That said, for those who adored the tactile feel of the Kindle Oasis, its discontinuation is undoubtedly a bittersweet moment. The end of page-turn buttons signifies a departure from one of the last vestiges of e-reader nostalgia. However, it also clears the way for the next wave of Kindle innovations.

In the meantime, if you're one of the fortunate ones who already own a Kindle Oasis, hold on to it—it may just become a collector's item in the years to come. And who knows? Maybe one day, Amazon will reintroduce a device that brings back the physical buttons that so many loved.

Final Thoughts

Amazon’s decision to discontinue the Kindle Oasis is a reflection of evolving reader preferences and the company’s focus on streamlining its e-reader offerings. While it's sad to say goodbye to the Oasis and its page-turn buttons, Amazon's Kindle lineup is still very much alive and thriving with new models that promise to deliver the best reading experience yet.

For now, the page has officially turned on the Kindle Oasis, but it’s clear Amazon’s story with e-readers is far from over.