Bookshop.org says Kobo e-reader support will happen this year after delays

Bookshop.org, the online bookstore that supports local independent shops, has updated its promise to integrate with Kobo e-readers. Initially slated for 2025, then pushed to 2026, the integration appeared to be on indefinite hold earlier this year when the company removed the 2026 timeline from its website. Founder and CEO Andy Hunter now says progress has been made: business terms have been settled and engineering resources allocated. The holdup involved both business negotiations and ensuring compliance with publisher digital rights management (DRM) requirements. Hunter explained that engineers had been focused on improving Bookshop.org's mobile app, which launched about 15 months ago, but attention is now returning to Kobo support. The website now says the feature will roll out “later this year,” though no specific date is promised. Kobo users are not entirely dependent on this integration; they can read DRM-free books, borrow library ebooks via Overdrive, and purchase DRM-protected books from Books.com in a compatible format. Another option is using an Android-based e-reader like Boox or Meebook, which can run Bookshop.org's app. Bookshop.org currently sells e-books only through its iOS and Android app. Kobo claims 12 million users across 190 countries, and many owners bought the device hoping to support local bookstores.