Kindle's Assistive Reader has been reintroduced following a recent update by Amazon.
In a welcome move for accessibility, Amazon has reintroduced the Kindle Assistive Reader to its line of e-readers. The feature, which was initially launched in late 2024, was briefly removed due to bugs but has now returned with all issues resolved [1][2].
The latest software update (Version 5.18.4.0.1) for the 11th and 12th generation Kindle e-Readers brings back the Kindle Assistive Reader. This update, released on August 19, 2025, resolves all bugs that were present when the feature was first launched in July but was remotely disabled due to the issues [1].
The Kindle Assistive Reader offers read-aloud functionality with a generic AI voice, highlighting text as it's read aloud. To make use of this feature, users need to connect their Kindle to Bluetooth headphones or earbuds [1].
In addition to the Kindle Assistive Reader, the update also introduces a global font enlargement feature. This accessibility enhancement enlarges all fonts across the device, including UI, menus, and even the Kindle Store [2]. The font enlargement feature does not require any specific hardware or software and is available on all Kindle devices that have received the August update.
The font enlargement feature does not affect the functionality or performance of the Kindle device. It applies to all text displayed on the Kindle, including the Kindle Assistive Reader. Interestingly, the font enlargement feature does not affect the read-aloud function or the generic AI voice of supported Kindle Books [1].
To enable the Kindle Assistive Reader, users can navigate to the Aa menu and the More tab. The Assistive Reader will be at the top of the screen and can be turned on or off. When turned on, a speaker icon appears at the bottom of the screen [1].
It's worth noting that the Kindle Assistive Reader was first introduced for the Kindle app for iOS in late 2024. The feature is designed for users with poor eyesight and does not require any additional settings or configurations [3].
This new accessibility feature applies to all text except e-books. Supported Kindle Books, however, offer a read-aloud function with a generic AI voice [1].
In conclusion, the return of the Kindle Assistive Reader and the introduction of the global font enlargement feature are significant steps towards making Kindle devices more accessible for users with visual impairments. These features are now available on all Kindle devices that have received the August update.
References: [1] Amazon News, (2025). Kindle Assistive Reader Returns with August Update. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/news/kindle/kindle-assistive-reader-returns-august-update [2] TechCrunch, (2025). Amazon Reintroduces Kindle Assistive Reader with August Update. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/19/amazon-reintroduces-kindle-assistive-reader-with-august-update/ [3] The Verge, (2025). Kindle Assistive Reader: A New Era of Accessibility. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/19/22455851/kindle-assistive-reader-accessibility-amazon
