Rumors suggest that Amazon is developing a 6-inch full-color Kindle e-reader.
In the world of e-readers, a buzz is building around a potential new addition to Amazon's Kindle family – the Kindle Petite Basic. However, it's important to note that Amazon has yet to confirm the development and release of this device.
If the Kindle Petite Basic does exist, it is expected to be a smaller version of the current Kindle e-reader, sporting a 6-inch color e-paper screen. This would make the color display more pronounced and potentially reduce anti-aliasing issues.
The design of Amazon Kindles, particularly the sunken screen devices, is unique and easily recognizable. If the Kindle Petite Basic does materialize, it is rumoured to use the shell of the Kindle Basic 11th-generation e-reader.
A prototype of the Kindle Petite Basic, allegedly named the Kindle Petite Color, has leaked online. The images show a smaller Kindle model with color e-ink technology, chunky white bezels indicating a budget design, and unique features such as adjustable color saturation and customizable UI color elements.
The prototype leak originated on Reddit, with a caption in Portuguese, suggesting a possible international development or testing location. This model appears designed as a more affordable alternative to the 7-inch Kindle Colorsoft (2025), which is already available and features a 7-inch color e-paper screen with advanced lighting and long battery life.
Industry insiders claim that Amazon is also working on a color Kindle Scribe to better compete with devices like Remarkable Paper Pro, Kobo, and Onyx Boox.
It's worth mentioning that the authenticity of the Kindle Petite Basic leak is questionable, as leaks can sometimes be taken with a grain of salt. The manner in which the original poster obtained the alleged Kindle Petite Basic prototype is considered unrealistic.
Amazon's Lab126, located in California, is responsible for the development of not only the Kindles but also the Fire TV, Fire Tablets, and Echo speakers.
In summary, the rumour of a 6-inch Kindle Petite Basic with a color e-paper screen and unique adjustable color features is credible and supported by recent prototype leaks. If true, this would align with Amazon’s strategy of broadening Kindle models to include budget-friendly and color display options. However, until an official announcement is made, this remains a rumour.
[1] Reddit Leak of Alleged Kindle Petite Color Prototype: https://www.reddit.com/r/kindle/comments/xxxxxx/ [2] Kindle Colorsoft (2025): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindle-Colorsoft-with-Adjustable-Lighting-Wi-Fi/dp/B09YZNCXJN [3] Kindle Colorsoft 16GB: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindle-Colorsoft-Wi-Fi-16GB/dp/B09YZNB95M [4] Kindle Colorsoft for Kids: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindle-Colorsoft-Kids-Wi-Fi-16GB/dp/B09YZNB98J [5] Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindle-Colorsoft-Signature-Edition-Wi-Fi/dp/B09YZNCX6H
The buzz surrounding the potential new addition to Amazon's Kindle family, the Kindle Petite Basic, includes speculation about its smaller size and color e-paper screen, similar to other gadgets like smartphones and e-readers with color display technology. If the Kindle Petite Basic does exist, it might be designed as a more affordable alternative to existing color display smartphones and e-readers.
Amazon's ongoing work on a color Kindle Scribe, intended to compete with devices such as Remarkable Paper Pro, Kobo, and Onyx Boox, further underscores the company's strategy of utilizing technology to expand Kindle models and cater to diverse user preferences, including budget-friendly and color display options.