Amazon Opens the Door to DRM-Free EPUB & PDF Downloads

Amazon has officially flipped the switch on a long-anticipated change: as of January 20, 2026, publishers and authors using Kindle Direct Publishing can choose to release their books as DRM-free EPUB and PDF files. In theory, this marks a major shift in how readers can own and access Kindle purchases. In practice, the rollout has been… quiet.

The new option allows KDP publishers to convert both new and existing titles into downloadable EPUB and PDF formats without digital rights management restrictions. That means readers would no longer be locked into Kindle apps and devices, they could read their purchases across a wider range of e-readers and software, just like traditional EPUB files sold elsewhere.

But here’s the catch: at launch, there’s nothing to download.

Major publishers often associated with DRM-free ecosystems—such as Tor or Baen—have titles available with the new EPUB or PDF download option enabled. A scan across Kindle devices, desktop apps, and mobile apps for iOS and Android shows little change yet for readers.

According to reports, Amazon notified publishers of the update via a single email sent to KDP partners. That message outlined the steps required to enable DRM-free EPUB and PDF downloads for existing titles or future uploads. Crucially, the change is opt-in: publishers must actively update their settings to make files available in these formats.

For authors and publishers weighing the decision, Amazon is emphasizing that royalties and payment structures remain exactly the same, regardless of whether DRM is applied. The only difference is reader access. DRM-protected titles remain locked to Kindle platforms, while DRM-free titles can be downloaded and used elsewhere.

Digital Rights Management has long been a point of contention in the ebook world. Supporters argue it discourages piracy; critics say it punishes legitimate readers by limiting how they use books they’ve paid for. By offering DRM-free EPUB and PDF options, Amazon appears to be testing a middle ground—one that gives publishers control while responding to years of reader pressure for true ownership.

Whether this becomes a meaningful shift or a niche feature depends on what publishers do next. For now, the infrastructure is in place—but the catalog hasn’t caught up.