Which phones will stop supporting WhatsApp - briefly?
As of February 1, 2022, WhatsApp will no longer support devices running on Android 4.0.3 or older, iOS 9 or older, and KaiOS 2.5.1 or older.
Which phones will stop supporting WhatsApp - in detail?
Starting February 1, 2022, WhatsApp has announced that it will no longer support certain older operating systems. This means that users on these platforms will no longer be able to use the app or receive updates. The primary devices affected by this decision include:
Android Devices
WhatsApp will stop supporting Android versions 4.0.3 and older. These include devices running Android 2.3.7 and older, as well as Android 4.0 to 4.0.2. This change affects a significant number of older smartphones that are no longer supported with the latest security updates by Google.
iPhone Devices
For Apple users, WhatsApp will discontinue support for iOS 9 and older versions. This includes all devices running iOS 8 and earlier. Users on these platforms will need to upgrade their operating system or switch to a newer device to continue using WhatsApp.
Windows Phones
Windows Phone users are also impacted by this decision. WhatsApp will no longer support Windows Phone Operating System after December 31, 2019. This includes all devices running Windows Phone 8.1 and older versions. Microsoft has already ended support for Windows Phone, making it essential for users to switch to other platforms like Android or iOS to maintain their communication through WhatsApp.
KaiOS Devices
KaiOS devices will also lose WhatsApp support starting on December 31, 2020. This affects a range of feature phones that run on the lightweight operating system designed for low-end hardware. Users on these devices are encouraged to upgrade to smartphones running supported Android or iOS versions.
Why These Changes Are Happening
WhatsApp's decision to drop support for older operating systems is driven by several factors. Firstly, maintaining compatibility with outdated software can be technically challenging and resource-intensive. Additionally, these older platforms often lack the necessary security features to ensure user data protection, which is a priority for WhatsApp.
Recommendations for Users
For users currently on unsupported operating systems, the best course of action is to upgrade their devices or switch to a supported platform if possible. Staying on an outdated system can expose users to security risks and prevent them from accessing new features and updates provided by WhatsApp.
By implementing these changes, WhatsApp aims to improve the overall user experience and maintain high standards of data security for its global user base.