Amazon to offer DRM-free EPUB and PDF downloads for Kindle titles starting in January 2026

Amazon has announced they will expand how Kindle customers access their purchased content. Beginning January 20, 2026, readers will be able to download DRM-free Kindle titles in both EPUB and PDF formats, extending compatibility beyond the Kindle ecosystem to a wider array of devices and applications. This shift means users can more easily enjoy books they have bought on platforms of their choice, provided the publisher opts not to apply Digital Rights Management (DRM).

While this opens up access for readers, DRM-protected titles will continue to be available only through Kindle apps and devices, and cannot be downloaded in EPUB or PDF format. Choosing a DRM-free option grants additional flexibility but does not affect the original payment terms for authors and publishers. Royalties and payment structures remain unchanged despite the new download methods.

Following these changes, only verified purchasers will have access to downloadable EPUB and PDF files. Borrowers using Kindle Unlimited or similar services are not eligible for these downloads, whether or not the book is DRM-free. Additionally, any EPUB or PDF files downloaded while a title was DRM-free will remain accessible to the reader, even if the title is secured with DRM at a later date.