What Does Amazon Kindle Device Numbering “Generation” Mean?
Unlike typical device numbering, Amazon Kindle’s device numbering called “generation” is a bit more complex. This article explains what Kindle generations mean and how they work.
Modified at: 2025.9.10Posted at: 2024.4.10
How to Understand Amazon Kindle Device Generations
Amazon Kindle devices are divided into models by generation whenever an updated model is released, but the way generations are assigned differs from typical version numbering.
Generation = Overall Kindle Device Generation
For most electronic devices, generations are usually divided within each product series.
For example, with Apple’s iPhone, the model released after iPhone 14 is called iPhone 15, and the numbering directly represents the series.
However, for Amazon Kindle devices, the “generation” refers to all Kindle devices released together.
As of 2024, the latest overall generation is “11th Generation,” which includes the following models released between 2021 and 2022:
- Kindle 11th Gen (2022/2024)
- Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen (2024)
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 12th Gen (2024)
- Kindle Scribe 1st Gen (2022/2024)
“Generation” Is Not the Same as Device Series Generation
As explained above, the Kindle device generation does not match the generation of each series.
For example, within the Paperwhite series, the latest Paperwhite in the 11th overall Kindle device generation is actually the 5th generation Paperwhite. But since it belongs to the 11th overall Kindle generation, it is officially called “Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen.”
How to Identify the Generation of a Kindle Device
When buying a brand-new Kindle, this is straightforward. However, when buying secondhand through a marketplace, Kindle specs can differ significantly depending on the generation, so it is important to check it carefully.
So, how do you identify a Kindle’s generation?
In most cases, you will rely on the seller’s description, but the most reliable way is to check the “Device Info” page in the settings.
You can verify this by tapping:
- Settings
- Device Options
- Device Info
At the top of the Device Info page, you will see something like “Kindle Paperwhite (XXth Generation).”
If you can check the device directly, that’s best. If you’re purchasing via a marketplace, ask the seller to upload a photo of the “Version Info” screen for accuracy.
Complete Kindle Device Generation List
If you know the release year and model, you can determine the Kindle generation. To make it even clearer, I’ve put together a complete list of all Kindle device generations in the article below.
This can be useful when purchasing secondhand or when listing your device for sale.
Which Generation Is My Kindle? Complete Kindle Device Generation List
Kindle devices can be confusing with release years, series generations, and different ways to identify each model. This article provides an easy-to-understand list of all Kindle generations and models to help you quickly determine your device.