Amazon Finally Fixes Kindle's Biggest Annoyance | Image Source: www.theverge.com
SEATTLE, Washington, March 26, 2025 – In a movement that will probably be appreciated by Kindle’s faithful everywhere, Amazon quietly launched a highly anticipated software update that introduces a more intuitive and less intrusive way of turning pages. The new “Double Tap to Page Turn” feature is now available for Kindle devices running 5.18.1, including popular models such as Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Paperwhite 10 generations. The update also plays the high-end Kindle Oasis, the last device on Amazon’s line to have buttons back from the physical page.
This update is more than just a technical challenge; It is an improvement in the reflective quality of life that responds to a long-standing user grip: the discomfort of playing on the screen just to move forward in a book. For years, electronic reading fans have regretted the loss of physical page change buttons, a tactile luxury that has been absent from the newest Kindles. Although Amazon did not revive this hardware feature, this work program could be the next best thing.
How does the double point function work?
According to Amazon, the “Double Tap to Page Turn” function can be enabled via the Settings menu under Device Options. Once active, users can simply double the side or back of their Kindle device to return to the next page. The gesture does not trust the touch screen but seems to work through the internal accelerometer. Good E-Reader and eBook drive speculate that this method guarantees minimal accidental activation, thanks to the need for two quick successive keys.
Q: Can users double-press to return a page? A: Unfortunately, no. From this version, the function only works in one direction – forward. To return, users will always have to interact with the touch screen.
Limited functionality should be noted. Unlike touch-based page turns that allow a sensitive entry in the direction, press the left side to return, the right to move forward, this new double point approach is currently unidirectional. Although this is an important step forward in ease of use, especially for those who are tired of constant screen exchange, it leaves room for improvement.
What is included in 5.18.1 Better update?
Beyond dual-point innovation, the 5.18.1 update brings another easy-to-read feature to the table: Recaps for serial books. As described in the official release notes and supported by the Android police, this new feature provides brief summaries for thousands of Kindle English books that are part of a series. These recaps can be viewed from the Kindle homepage or via the individual menu of a book under ‘Recaps in this series. ‘
Q: Why are they important to Kindle users? A: For readers to dive into a long series, recaps are a practical refreshment that eliminates the need to navigate external websites to obtain site summaries. They are especially useful when there is a long gap between reading deliveries: think of George R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.
When selecting a recap, readers will first see a spoiler warning before choosing to proceed. Although Amazon has not confirmed whether the recaps are generated by AI, the style and amplitude of the cover suggest some automation. However, they are generally accurate and useful, serving their purpose well for the average reader who wants only a quick capture.
How to install the update
Amazon downloads the update on the air, but not all will receive it immediately. Users wishing to test the new features can manually download the update. This involves downloading the official Amazon software update page and transferring it via USB. The Verge and Ars Technica confirmed that the process is direct, and the functionality works as expected, especially in the Kindle Colorsoft.
Q: Is the double tab function enabled by default? A: Yes, the double tab function is automatically enabled after the update. If not to your liking, you will need to go to Settings to disable it manually.
That said, the feature is not infallible. If you are someone who tends to lay your Kindle against objects or fidgets with it during reading, accidental activations may still occur, although they are rare due to the requirement of double point.
Where is Kindle going in the electronic drive race?
For years, Amazon has been facing increasing pressure from competitors like Kobo, who continue to offer electronic drives with robust physical buttons and customization options. Many of Kindle’s long-term fans have criticized Amazon’s minimalism, especially since new models have removed features in the name of simplicity. This update seems to be a strategic response: an attempt to bridge the gap between user-friendliness and elegant design without reversing physical buttons.
Q: Will we see the buttons on the physical page again? A: Very unlikely. Amazon has made its position clear by removing devices such as Kindle Voyage and Oasis, both with tactile navigation methods. Society seems to be fully engaged in reading experiments based on gestures now.
In this context, the new dual point feature is a kind of olive branch. It does not reproduce the subtle joy of a physical button, but it is closer than the screen has ever done. This is a small but significant wink for users who have requested more intuitive browsing options.
Further improvements in performance
According to Amazon update notes, version 5.18.1 also includes a range of unspecified error fixes, performance improvements and stability improvements. Although they cannot be striking, they provide a smoother reading experience on all devices. It is also interesting to mention that this update unifies the software through the templates -before that, Kindle Colorsoft ran a separate version not available for manual download. Now all eligible devices are on the same software line.
Q: Which devices support 5.18.1 update? A: The update is available for Kindle Colorsoft, Kindle Paperwhite (10th generation and later), and Kindle Oasis. If your device works an earlier version or does not appear to be an automatic update, the manual download option remains available on the Amazon support site.
Despite certain limitations, the general tone of early adopters and technology analysts was largely positive. As Engadget and The Verge have reported, the double point function not only works reliably, but feels natural after a few uses. This is not perfect, but it is a welcome step to make electronic readers more sewing and enjoyable.
In essence, Amazon was able to introduce a significant update of the ease of use in its Kindle ecosystem without fanfare or material overhaul. This is the kind of reflexive and under-estimated improvement that long-term users realize and appreciate, because in the world of electronic readers, it is small things that matter.
So, if you’re reading a fantastic epic, touching your reading stack, or just trying to keep your Kindle Screen without fingerprints, the latest update deserves your attention. And who knows? Maybe one day, the triple tap back will also make an appearance. Until then, good reading.
