Self-Publishing: Amazon's New Update for Kindle Users: From January 2026, Readers Can Download DRM-free Kindle books

 

In January of this year, Amazon allowed customers to download EPUB and PDF versions of selected DRM-free Kindle books.

What’s New?

If you purchase a qualifying title where the publisher has opted out of Digital Rights Management (DRM), you will now be able to download an EPUB or PDF directly from your Amazon account. This means that Amazon is providing an official way to download Kindle content outside its usual platform.

Details to Consider

• DRM-Free Titles Only: This feature will only apply to books where the publisher has chosen to forego DRM. It’s likely that the vast majority of Kindle books still come with DRM, so many users won’t see a change.
• Self-Published Works: Most of the books eligible for these downloads are self-published titles from authors who prefer to leave their work DRM-free. For these authors, their readers now have an unrestricted EPUB or PDF version option. This can be used via the Manage Your Content and Devices page.
• Authors Have to Confirm: If an author published a book before December 9, 2025, they must confirm that they want their book available as an unrestricted download. There is now an option for the author to allow EPUB or PDF downloads.

What This Means for Self-Published Indie Authors and Readers

This change represents a small but significant win for readers and indie authors who want more flexibility in how their e-books can be accessed.

Although DRM-free publishing carries some risks, like increased chances of piracy and abuse of copyright, many self-published writers value the freedom of more options for readers.

Looking Ahead

While this is an improvement for some, reports suggest that Kindle users may not notice any substantial changes from established publishers, as they still require DRM.

It is in self-publishing by indie writers where the difference may be noticeable. I had to choose that option in my author account. The two books that I have for sale on Amazon can now be bought as EPUB or PDF downloads. It is up to the reader which option they would like. It gives an extra choice for anyone who does not have a Kindle.

You can still download the book to Kindle, and read on Kindle Unlimited, if you are a member.

So, be ready to explore and download your favourite titles DRM-free, if you wish!

Amazon has yet to comment on whether more download options will be available in the future.

 

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