logo
WhatsApp to discontinue support for older iPhones and Android models in June: Check if you're affected

WhatsApp to discontinue support for older iPhones and Android models in June: Check if you're affected

IOL News2 days ago

Popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp has officially pulled the plug on support for a range of older smartphones
Image: Freepik
Popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp has officially discontinued support for a range of older smartphones, rendering the app unusable on devices running outdated operating systems as of June 1, 2025.
The move affects a range of ageing smartphones, including Apple's iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, as well as older Android models like the Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia.
These devices are reportedly no longer compatible with the app's minimum software requirements.
Originally, WhatsApp had planned to implement the change on May 5, but the cutoff date was reportedly delayed and finalised for June 1, 2025.
In its FAQ, WhatsApp said it regularly reviews supported operating systems to keep up with changing devices and software.
"Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates," the Meta-owned app said."
"Every year, we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices also might not have the latest security updates or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp."
Meta's messaging app also reminded users that before support for their operating system is discontinued, they will receive notifications within WhatsApp, including several reminders to upgrade.
"Before we stop supporting your operating system, you'll be notified in WhatsApp and reminded a few times to upgrade. We'll update this page regularly to ensure that the latest operating systems that we support are listed."
Cape Argus

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

City of Tshwane introduces WhatsApp channels for improved service delivery updates
City of Tshwane introduces WhatsApp channels for improved service delivery updates

IOL News

time30 minutes ago

  • IOL News

City of Tshwane introduces WhatsApp channels for improved service delivery updates

The City of Tshwane has launched eight WhatsApp channels, marking a significant step towards enhancing communication with its residents. Image: Freepik The City of Tshwane has taken a significant step towards improving communication with its residents by launching of eight WhatsApp channels. The channels, which comprise seven regional channels and one city-wide broadcast channel, aim to provide residents with immediate access to service delivery information across all seven regions. Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the launch marks a huge milestone in the administration's efforts to keep Tshwane residents informed about all service delivery matters. 'The City of Tshwane is the first municipality in South Africa to launch WhatsApp channels of this scale,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The channels will provide residents with updates on reported issues such as sewer spills, water or power outages, including progress on repairs and estimated restoration times. They will feature clear and easy-to-understand communication, with service alerts, public service announcements, and project and programme updates. Service alerts will include updates on water, electricity, and sewerage disruptions, road closures, ICT issues, and municipal service schedules. Public service announcements will cover information on policies, by-laws, public participation events, Integrated Development Plan meetings, imbizos, office closures, and warnings against unlawful activities. Residents are encouraged to join the channels specified for the areas they reside in, which will appear under the 'updates' tab once subscription is successfully completed. Moya emphasised that the channels are not intended for political messaging and are designed to supplement the core duties and responsibilities of local councillors. 'We expect that the addition of this virtual portal will serve as a useful tool, along with the city's social media platforms and website, to improve access to information,' she said. With the launch of these WhatsApp channels, the city believes it is set to revolutionise the way it communicates with its residents, providing them with timely and relevant information to enhance their lives.

New 2025 SASSA verification process starts this WEEK
New 2025 SASSA verification process starts this WEEK

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

New 2025 SASSA verification process starts this WEEK

Here's all you need to know about the agency's new 2025 SASSA verification process. As we covered last month, the agency is being forced to tighten its belt in 2025 by government. The finance minister was going to raise VAT to keep South Africa's social welfare bill in check. However, this was overturned in the High Court. And since then, new measures like the 2025 SASSA verification process have come into being. This is despite a ruling back in January that SASSA cannot legally turn applicants away purely on the grounds of budgetary constraints. To get monthly cash in your wallet, you'll need to pass SASSA's latest verification process. Image: File Judge Twala ruled it unconstitutional that South African Social Security Agency grant applicants living below the poverty line be turned away simply because there was insufficient money to pay them each month. Now, the Department of Social Development (DSD) and National Development Agency are updating the 2025 SASSA verification process like so … According to a post on SASSA's social media channels, starting from Saturday 7 June 2025, all new applicants will have to complete the 2025 SASSA verification process for R370 SRD grants. This involves taking a digital photo of yourself with a smartphone. Handling SASSA grants in-person are slowing becoming a thing of the past. Image: File Furthermore, the release from the agency urges applicants to visit THIS website and have their smart ID card (and smartphone) ready. Unfortunately, applicants with the old 'green mamba' ID booklet will not pass the online verification process. The biometric portion of the 2025 SASSA verification process is to secure digital data of all grant recipients on file for safety reasons. And if there is no digital photo of you, you won't pass. In the past, the agency has said biometric verification makes the grant system safer from fraud, corruption and identity theft. Unfortunately, civil society groups are quite rightly questioning the practicality behind it. How are SASSA SRD applicants living below the poverty line supposed to have access to a smart phone with internet access and a smart ID card? Many argue the 2025 SASSA verification process goes against the findings of Twala's High Court ruling earlier in the year, to which SASSA has taken leave to appeal … Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Pros and cons of digital transformation in the developing world
Pros and cons of digital transformation in the developing world

The South African

time18 hours ago

  • The South African

Pros and cons of digital transformation in the developing world

Across the world, digital technologies are reshaping how people live, work and connect. From artificial intelligence (AI) to high-speed internet and digital platforms, this transformation offers great potential for economic growth and social progress. However, with that promise comes a critical challenge: ensuring that the digital future is equitable, sustainable and inclusive. Emerging technologies have already started driving significant gains and AI alone could add as much as $4.4 trillion (R78 trillion) annually to the global economy, according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report . Digital tools are helping small businesses tap into global markets, while fintech services and online platforms are enabling entrepreneurs to reach customers and capital more easily than ever. For micro, small and medium enterprises, the digital economy offers unprecedented opportunities for job creation and innovation – if they have access to skills training, financing, and reliable internet. In developing countries, digital infrastructure is offering a chance to surge ahead of traditional development paths. E-learning and e-commerce are opening doors in rural and under-served communities, creating new paths to prosperity and participation in the global economy. Internet access remains an issue However, the digital divide remains a concern. Over 2.6 billion people still lack internet access and many face barriers due to cost, lack of digital literacy and infrastructure challenges. This inequity leaves a lot of people without access to essential services, education and economic opportunities – threatening to widen rather than close global disparities. Additionally, the benefits of digitalisation are not evenly distributed. While some workers and industries gain from automation and AI, others face job displacement. Estimates suggest that AI-driven automation could create 11 million jobs globally while displacing nine million, with uneven impacts across regions and sectors. To manage this transition responsibly, governments, businesses and civil society must invest in education and social protections. Ensuring that the digital economy is dynamic and fair requires a concerted effort to build inclusive digital infrastructure and policy frameworks. As the world accelerates into a digital future, the choices made today will determine whether this transformation serves as a bridge to shared prosperity – or becomes a barrier that deepens existing divides. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store