
WhatsApp stops working on these phones from today
WhatsApp stops working on these phones from today
WhatsApp has ended support for older smartphones from June 1, 2022. The changes affect phones that are more than 10 years old - here is a full list of affected devices
Popular messaging app WhatsApp will stop working on some phones from this month
(Image: Getty Images )
From this month, the widely-used messaging service WhatsApp will cease to function on some older mobile phones. The update that came into effect June 1 targets devices over a decade old. Enhancements in WhatsApp's system compatibility mean certain aged smartphones will be incapable of supporting the app, attributed to safety concerns. The implementation was initially scheduled for May but got deferred to June. iPhones that were released before 2015 and are unable to update beyond iOS 15.1 are affected by this change. For Android handsets, the requisite operating system is now Android OS 5.0, which debuted in 2014.
On the brink of these changes, WhatsApp had been sending out notices advising users to "update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp."
These warnings were issued to any iPhones that were not running on at least iOS 15.1, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Older iPhone models such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, alongside preceding versions, fall out of line with iOS 18 and will thereby find themselves unable to host updates or maintain WhatsApp functioning.
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Certain Android models are also on the chopping block, including Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia Z. As per 9to5Mac's report referring to the WhatsApp FAQ page by Meta, the step to drop support is attributed to the older phone models' inability to procure the necessary modern security enhancements and functionalities to sustain WhatsApp operations.
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Apple has labelled the iPhone 6 "obsolete" just over a year ago, which means the company will no longer repair or provide services for the handset, and third-party service providers are unable to order parts for the products.
As of April this year, WhatsApp unveiled twelve exciting new features for its users to enjoy. Over two billion active users make WhatsApp the most popular messaging app globally.
In a recent blog post on their website, WhatsApp indicated: "To keep you in the loop, we'll be sharing regular roundups of the latest updates, tools, and settings."
The latest roundup introduces newly implemented features, some of which you might not yet be familiar with. They consist of the following:
Chats.
Online indicator in group chats: For better convenience in seeing who is available for a chat, you can now view the number of people currently 'online' directly under the group name in real-time.
Highlight notifications in groups
A fresh 'Notify for' setting allows you to choose 'highlights' to limit notifications to @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts; alternatively, selecting 'All' will enable you to receive all notifications.
Events updates
Creating an event is now possible within a 1:1 conversation. WhatsApp has also introduced options to RSVP as 'maybe,' include a plus-one, set an end date and time for more extended events, and pin the event in a chat.
Tappable reactions
You can swiftly see all the reactions from others and easily tap the one you wish to send.
Document scanning on iPhone
You can now scan and send documents directly from WhatsApp on your iPhone. Simply select 'Scan document' from the attachment section and follow the steps to scan, crop, and save the document.
Default App for iPhone
With the latest iOS update, you can set WhatsApp as your default messaging and calling app on your iPhone. To make the switch, navigate to Settings > Default Apps and select WhatsApp.
Calls
Pinch to zoom in video calls: iPhone users can now pinch to zoom in on a video while on a video call to get a closer look at your own or peer video.
Add to call from a chat
You can add someone to an ongoing call directly from a chat thread by tapping the call icon on the top and selecting 'Add to call'.
Enjoy smoother video calls
Efforts have been made to reduce dropped calls and video freezing. Improved bandwidth detection can quickly upgrade your video to HD quality for a more enjoyable experience.
Video notes for Channels
Similar to chats, Channel admins can now instantly record and share short videos (60 seconds or less) with followers.
Voice message transcripts on Channels
You can now get a written summary of voice message updates from channels when you're on the go and can't listen to them.
QR codes
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As a channel admin, you can now share a unique QR code that links directly to your channel, making it easy to sharewith others and grow their audience.
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