WhatsApp is ending app support for devices that are running on outdated software versions for a number of devices at the beginning of 2021
Smartphones using Android 2.3.7 and older, and iPhone iOS 8 or older, are those affected by the update.
The aim is to provide the best chatting experience to its customers which is no longer possible on older software
“While these mobile devices have been an important part of our story, they don’t offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app’s features in the future,” WhatsApp said.
Devices to be affected;
Apple iPhone (iOS)
For Apple devices, any iPhone running iOS 8 or earlier will be culled by WhatsApp at the end of January.
- iPhone 6/ iPhone 6 Plus – Can update to iOS 9 to support WhatsApp
- iPhone 5/ iPhone 5s/ iPhone 5c – Can update to iOS 9 to support WhatsApp
- iPhone 4s – Can update to iOS 9 to support WhatsApp
- iPhone 4 and older – Cannot update to iOS 9 and will lose support for WhatsApp
You can check your Android version and if there are any updates available under Settings > About Phone. iPhone users can do the same in Settings > General > Software Update.
Android
For Android devices that are more than a decade old will be affected; these are android devices that are running a version older than 4.0.3 – also referred to as Ice Cream Sandwich. Smartphones running Android 2.3.7 (Gingerbread) and earlier will also be hit.
However, for Android users, HTC Desire, LG Optimus Black, Motorola Droid Razr, and the Samsung Galaxy S2 will still work on the old OS.
