For many readers, the Amazon Kindle is a godsend. It’s lightweight, portable, water-resistant, and has a massive storage capacity. The battery life is astounding, able to last for days, and its backlit E-ink screen, which mimics real paper, allows readers to read at night (and in planes, for instance), all while being easier on the eyes than a traditional blue-light screen. This is to say nothing of the sentimental value a Kindle might hold for bookworms who bring it everywhere with them.

But this month, tech giant Amazon has announced a new change that has sparked backlash from dedicated e-reader users: from May 20, 2026, some Kindle devices will no longer be supported. But what does this mean, and which Kindles will be affected?

Amazon’s announcement … and what it actually means

The alert from Amazon stated that older Kindle models will no longer be supported. In short, this means that from May 20, users will no longer be able to download new books from the Amazon store, as the devices will no longer have web support. Libby users will also take a hit, being unable to borrow e-books from their library as these books also go through the Kindle store and the ‘Send to Kindle’ feature.

The affected devices will also no longer be able to receive updates, and Amazon’s email detailed that users who deregister or do a factory reset on their devices will not be able to register them again.

Notably, the Kindle Library will remain fully accessible for users through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web. Users who connect their Kindle to a computer and use a programme like Calibre will still be able to transfer, or “sideload,” e-books to their Kindle.

Which Kindles are being affected?

In the email Kindle users received, Amazon stated they are “discontinuing support for Kindle devices released in 2012 or earlier. The affected devices include:

• Kindle (1st generation)
• Kindle (2nd generation)
• Kindle DX
• Kindle DX Graphite
• Kindle Keyboard
• Kindle 4
• Kindle Touch
• Kindle 5
• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)
• Kindle Fire (1st generation)
• Kindle Fire (2nd generation)
• Kindle Fire HD 7
• Kindle Fire HD 8.9

In total, the move is estimated to affect some 2 million devices.

The controversy

The move has been heavily criticised by readers who own Kindles. While users of these older Kindle models will still be able to read the books that are already downloaded onto the device, the prospect of not being able to download new books without using a third-party programme may be a dealbreaker, prompting users to switch to other devices, like a Kobo.

Criticisms of Amazon’s UI for the Kindle, including the prevalence of ads and often-restrictive format support have also led users to ditch their Kindles and opt for other e-readers. 

Additionally, many users report that their Kindles, despite being more than a decade old, are still working fine. Newer Kindles may last weeks on a single charge, while the battery health and speed of performance of older models will slowly deteriorate over time with heavy use; but for the most part, many Kindles manufactured in 2012 or before are still in perfectly good condition. As a result, many readers have condemned Amazon’s announcement as a deliberate ploy to get readers to purchase another Kindle.

Older Kindle models also feature physical page-turn buttons on the devices, which some readers prefer. With the new announcement, disgruntled readers may be forced to go with the touch-screen page turning options instead.

To facilitate some users’ transition to a new Kindle, Amazon has offered a 20 per cent discount on a newer model, as well as e-book credits. However, the move has been denounced as “corporate greed” by outraged users, for whom the Kindle is not only a convenient way to store books and read on-the-go, but a sentimental device.

The bottom line for readers

For some users, the only viable path will be ditching their old Kindle and transitioning to a newer model or even another brand of e-reader entirely. Others will opt for jailbreaking their Kindle, a process that involves removing Amazon’s software restrictions and gaining access to the device’s operating system.

Ultimately, readers will have to decide whether they are willing to stay in Amazon’s ecosystem, or finally turn the page on it.

In Spain’s ever-competitive holiday rental market, simply owning a beautiful property is no longer enough. Scroll through any booking platform and you’ll find an endless stream of villas, apartments and fincas, all promising sun-soaked terraces and sea views. Yet only a handful truly stand out… and they’re the ones commanding higher nightly rates, better reviews, and repeat bookings.

So what’s their secret?

It isn’t always a full renovation or a sky-high budget. More often, it comes down to something far simpler: presentation, atmosphere, and attention to detail. The most successful holiday lets today are styled less like homes and more like boutique hotels: curated, cohesive, and designed to evoke a feeling as much as provide a place to sleep.

 Think like a boutique hotel

The first shift is a mental one. Many owners approach their rental as a functional space – somewhere clean, comfortable, and practical. But today’s guests, particularly in lifestyle destinations like Mallorca, Ibiza, or the Costa del Sol, are booking something more aspirational.

They want to feel like they’ve stepped into a magazine spread.

That begins in the bedroom. Crisp white linens, layered with soft throws and neutral cushions, instantly elevate even the simplest space. Swap mismatched bedding for a cohesive palette of whites, creams and soft earth tones, and suddenly the room feels calmer, more expensive, more considered. Add a textured headboard, a linen bedspread, or even just better-quality pillows, and the transformation is immediate.

It’s less about what you add  and more about what you refine.

Lighting changes everything

Lighting is one of the most overlooked – and most powerful – tools in your rental.

Harsh overhead lights can make even the most stylish interior feel cold and uninviting. The solution is simple: layer your lighting. Introduce table lamps, floor lamps, and warm-toned bulbs to create a softer, more ambient glow.

Outdoors, this becomes even more impactful. String lights, lanterns, and candles can transform a basic terrace into an inviting evening retreat – the kind of space guests imagine themselves unwinding in with a glass of wine as the sun sets.

Because ultimately, you’re not just selling a property – you’re selling a mood.

Create moments worth sharing

In the age of Instagram, your guests are also your marketers.

The most successful rentals understand this and intentionally create small “moments” designed to be photographed. A neatly styled coffee table with a stack of books and a candle. A breakfast tray set out on the terrace. Sun loungers with rolled white towels and a straw hat placed just so.

These details may seem small, but they shape perception: both online and in person. And more importantly, they encourage guests to share their experience, extending your reach far beyond a listing platform.

If it looks good on camera, it books faster. It’s that simple.

Make the most of outdoor living

In Spain, outdoor space is your greatest asset and often the biggest differentiator.

Even a modest terrace can feel luxurious if it’s thoughtfully styled. You don’t need a full outdoor kitchen or a designer pergola to achieve this. Matching cushions, a simple but elegant dining setup, and a few well-chosen accessories can transform the space entirely.

A linen tablecloth, ceramic plates, and proper glassware elevate an outdoor meal from functional to memorable. Guests may forget the exact layout of the living room, but they will remember how it felt to sit outside at dusk, surrounded by warm air and soft lighting.

 Elevate the bathroom experience

Bathrooms can quietly make – or break – a guest’s perception of your property.

The good news? You don’t need a full renovation to create a high-end feel. Small upgrades can have a big impact. Replace thin, worn towels with thick white ones. Decant toiletries into matching dispensers. Add a wooden stool or tray for a spa-like touch.

Most importantly, declutter.

Clear surfaces and simple styling create a sense of calm and cleanliness that instantly feels more luxurious. The goal is to evoke a boutique hotel or spa – not a storage space.

Edit, don’t erase

When it comes to styling, balance is everything.

Guests don’t want to feel like they’re staying in someone else’s personal home, surrounded by family photos and clutter. But equally, they don’t want a space that feels soulless or generic.

The sweet spot lies somewhere in between: a home with character, but carefully edited. Local ceramics, woven textiles, and subtle nods to the surrounding landscape help ground the space and give it a sense of place.

Think editorial, not empty.

Photography sells everything

Even the most beautifully styled property won’t perform if it isn’t presented properly online.

Photography is your first impression and often your only chance to capture attention. Investing in professional photography is one of the smartest decisions a rental owner can make, but preparation is just as important.

Every shot should be styled. Every cushion placed. Every surface considered.

Shoot in natural light wherever possible, and think beyond simply documenting the space. You’re telling a story: one that invites the viewer to imagine themselves there.

Small Changes, bigger returns

All of these updates feed into something crucial: perceived value.

When a property looks and feels high-end, guests are willing to pay more for it. Well-styled homes can command significantly higher nightly rates than comparable listings nearby, while also benefiting from stronger reviews and increased visibility on booking platforms.

In that sense, styling isn’t just about aesthetics… it’s a business strategy.

Travellers flying to and from Spain are being told to allow extra time at the airport after the EU’s new Entry Exit System went live and immediately led to long queues, delays and missed flights. The system, which became fully operational on 10 April 2026, replaces passport stamping for non EU visitors with digital checks, and the first days have already shown how much longer border control can now take.

For many passengers, especially those travelling from the UK, the change is being felt straight away. What used to be a quick check at the border is now a slower process, and at busy times, the queues are building up fast.

Why the new EES checks are slowing things down at airports

The Entry Exit System is designed to modernise border control, but in practice, it adds a few extra steps that quickly make a difference when thousands of people are arriving at once.

Instead of a simple passport stamp, travellers may now need to go through passport scanning, facial recognition and fingerprint registration, particularly on their first trip under the new system.

On paper, each step only takes a short time. In reality, when every passenger has to go through it, delays start to build. Reports from the first days mention queues stretching for hours in some airports, with some travellers missing their flights as a result.

Airports and airline groups have already raised concerns, warning that the system is putting pressure on border control at the worst possible time, as travel numbers begin to rise again.

What has changed for UK travellers heading to Spain

Since Brexit, British travellers are no longer treated as EU citizens when entering Spain or other Schengen countries. That means they are now fully subject to these new checks.

For anyone travelling for the first time since the system went live, the process may take longer than expected. Passengers could be asked to provide a facial image, fingerprints and passport details before being allowed through.

Once registered, future trips should be quicker, but for now, the first experience is where most delays are happening.

The system also automatically records entry and exit dates, helping authorities track how long visitors stay in the Schengen area. This replaces the old passport stamp and makes it easier to enforce the 90 day limit.

For travellers, it means there is less room for mistakes, and border checks are more detailed than before.

Queues, missed flights and growing pressure on airports

The early days of the rollout have not gone unnoticed. Airport groups across Europe have warned that the system is already causing disruption, with some passengers facing long waits at border control.

The problem is not limited to one country. Reports suggest delays at several Schengen entry points, including airports serving Spain, where large numbers of British tourists pass through.

With the  summer season approaching, there are concerns that the situation could get worse if nothing changes.

Some airport organisations have called for more flexibility in how the system is applied, especially during peak travel times, to prevent queues from becoming unmanageable.

What travellers should do before flying to Spain now

For now, the safest approach is to plan ahead and give yourself more time than usual.

If you are travelling to Spain from the UK, it is a good idea to arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would, especially if your flight is during a busy period.

Checking your airline’s guidance before you travel can also help, as some airlines are already advising passengers to adjust their arrival times.

If possible, avoid tight connections. A delay at border control could leave very little time to catch a connecting flight.

It is also worth making sure your passport is valid and that you are familiar with the Schengen rules, including how long you are allowed to stay.

Will things improve as the system settles in

Officials expect the situation to improve over time. Once travellers have completed their initial registration, future crossings should be quicker, as their data will already be stored in the system.

Even so, the first days have shown that the transition will take time. Airports will need to adapt, and travellers will need to adjust their expectations.

For now, anyone flying to Spain should be prepared for a different experience at the border. It may not stay this way forever, but at the moment, the new system is already changing how people move through Europe.