WhatsApp users warned they'll be BANNED for trying to get around major shutdown on millions of devices this week
The
1
App stopped working on a number of phones this week
Credit: Getty
There are a number of replica WhatsApp apps that allow people to contact friends but they're strictly forbidden by the tech giant.
GBWhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus are just some of the popular alternatives.
But anyone caught using them faces their
So users affected by recent changes shouldn't be tempted to try them out.
Read more about WhatsApp
For an iPhone, that would require "jailbreaking" the device which isn't for the fainthearted and never advised.
WhatsApp announced that it will only support iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later from Monday (May 5).
This includes:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
Most read in Tech
WhatsApp says it
doesn't allow unofficial apps because they "can't validate their security practices
".
"If you use these apps your privacy and security are at risk," the company states on its website.
WhatsApp reveals exacty how to block one of your contacts
"Unofficial apps carry malware that can steal your data, and damage your phone.
"There's no guarantee your messages or your data, like your location or the files you share, will be private and secure.
"Your account might also be temporarily or permanently banned."
The safest option is to continue accessing WhatsApp is to upgrade to a new smartphone.
WHAT TO DO IF I'M AFFECTED
Sadly, if you want to continue using WhatsApp legitimately and safely the best option is to upgrade your phone.
Of course, the trusty SMS text message will still work, as well as Apple's own iMessage, so you could switch but you won't have key features like groups anymore as you do on WhatsApp.
If you do opt for an upgrade, it doesn't have to be the most expensive option around.
Even Apple has a new cheaper version of the iPhone.
The latest being the
And there are plenty of good Android options around too if you're tempted to switch, such as the
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Apple overcomes trade war and slow start in AI to deliver strong quarter
Apple shook off the issue of tariffs and a slow entry into artificial intelligence to accelerate its revenue growth during its spring-time quarter, but the tech giant still faces a bumpy road ahead that could lead to higher iPhone prices. The April-June results released on Thursday came against a backdrop of adversity that has been raising worries about the trajectory of a longtime tech kingpin that expects to absorb a setback of nearly two billion dollars (£1.5 billion) from the tariffs that President Donald Trump has already imposed and others in the pipeline. Despite the doubts, Apple remains a moneymaking machine. The company earned 23.4 billion dollars (£17.8 billion) during its fiscal third quarter, a 9% increase from the same time last year. Revenue climbed 10% from a year ago to 94 billion dollars (£71 billion). The company's iPhone sales surged 13% from a year ago to 44.6 billion dollars (£33.8 billion). In another positive development, Apple's business in China showed signs of snapping out of a prolonged malaise with a 4% bump in revenue from the same time last year. Apple chief Tim Cook (PA) All those numbers were well above the analyst projections that steer investors, helping to boost Apple's recently slumping stock price by about 3% in extended trading. But the unexpectedly solid performance does not necessarily mean it is smooth sailing ahead for Apple. Mr Trump's trade war targeting foreign-made products such as the iPhone and Apple's stumbling start in the pivotal transition to AI is causing investors to question if the company will remain at the tech forefront as the industry moves into a new era. Before Thursday's report came out, Apple's stock price had plunged by 17% so far this year to wipe out more than 600 billion dollars (£455 billion) in shareholder wealth and knock the company off its perch as the world's most valuable company. Meanwhile, the shares of AI chipmaker Nvidia have surged 32% this year and the shares of AI pacesetter Microsoft have gained 27%, propelling the market value to four trillion dollars (£3 trillion). Even though Apple remains highly profitable, the tariffs that Mr Trump has already imposed on China and other countries cost the company 800 million dollars (£600 million) during the past quarter, and CEO Tim Cook told analysts during a conference call that the fees would exact an additional toll of 1.1 billion dollars (£830 million) during the July-September period. iPhone 16e (Apple/PA) The company also predicted its revenue for July-September period would increase at a slightly slower pace than the past quarter. Mr Cook indicated the financial damage from the tariffs could have been much higher, telling analysts most of the components in iPhones and other Apple products are still shielded by temporary exemptions that the Trump administration granted most electronics in mid-April. Apple softened the blow of Mr Trump's tariffs on products made outside the US during the past quarter by shifting its production of iPhones from China to India. But the administration intends to impose a 25% tariff on goods from India, a move that could intensify the pressure on Apple to raise the prices on the next generation of iPhones expected to be released in September. Mr Cook was not asked about the possibility of an iPhone increase during his Thursday remarks to analysts. Consumer fears about the tariffs driving up iPhone prices spurred an unusual buying spree of iPhones and Mac computers in the US during early April, according to Mr Cook. Apple estimated that spike accounted for roughly one percentage point of its 10% revenue increase in the past quarter, which translates into about 82 million dollars (£62 million) in sales. Mr Cook also credited an uptick in consumers upgrading to the latest model for helping Apple sell its three billionth iPhone since the device's 2007 debut. Mr Trump has been pressuring Apple to make all its iPhones in the US, a move that analysts believe would take years to pull off and ultimately double or triple the average price of the device. But Mr Cook told analysts Thursday that the company is pushing to increase its computer chip production in the US as one way of avoiding tariffs. 'We ultimately will do more in the United States,' he said. Meanwhile, Apple is still trying to fulfil the AI promises it made last year when it unveiled an array of new iPhone features built on the revolutionary technology, raising expectations that the shift would spur millions of people to upgrade their old devices. But Apple still has not delivered on an AI upgrade that was supposed to smarten up its often-bumbling virtual assistant Siri, one of the main reasons underlying the lacklustre growth of iPhone sales. 'While these numbers certainly buy Apple time, the fact is that investors — and consumers — remain laser-focused on AI innovation. And Apple still has a long way to go in this game,' said analyst Thomas Monteiro.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Hilarious Apple bungle sees X rated billboard towering over drivers on busy road
APPLE'S latest ad has been mocked by bemused onlookers for resembling the male member. The manhood gaffe was spotted on a billboard in Miami that was meant to show off the company's creative tech features on iPhone and iPad. 1 Is that a penis? No, it's a finger... Credit: Reddit It's been shared by the company on Instagram too. The ad is supposed to show a shark photo alongside a cartoon scuba diver. However, the scuba diver has an oversized pointing finger that looks more like a penis. Even local press put out a story asking: "Did Apple Put a Giant Phallic Symbol on I-95?" Read more about Apple The hilarious - and seemingly unintentional - move has caught the attention of the public for all the wrong reasons. "Don't tell me I'm the only one," one stunned onlooker wrote on Reddit sharing an image of the billboard. "Can't believe it got through legal," another commented. "They saw it only up close and thought nothing of it," a third joked. Most read in Tech The ad is meant to be part of a "shot on iPhone, drawn on iPad" campaign with work by several artists. It's not the first time Apple has raised eyebrows with ads. Last year the Bosses decided not to air the ad on TV in the end and apologised saying it "missed the mark". 'We missed the mark' says Apple as iPhone maker apologises for 'inhuman and tone deaf' new advert
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The hidden freebies on your phone worth £100s – claim months of TV, music, games & books with hacks that everyone misses
LOVE a freebie? Well, there are loads lurking on your mobile that are just waiting to be claimed. You can bag perks worth hundreds of pounds, getting you TV, music, games, books and even extra phone storage - if you know where to look... Advertisement 14 Spotify has plenty of free music – but it's not your only option Credit: Spotify 14 Amazon customers can bag free music too Credit: Amazon To save you searching, we've tracked down some of the most tempting freebies hiding on your phone or tablet today. FREE MUSIC It's no secret that Spotify offers a free tier. You won't be able to choose specific songs and you'll endure ads – but it's free. However, there are plenty of alternatives to Spotify that you might prefer. Advertisement One potentially cheaper option is Amazon Music Prime, which comes included with your regular Amazon Prime subscription. It gets you more than 100 million songs, and it's totally ad-free. So if you're already paying for Prime, then this is a great freebie that'll save you sitting through Spotify ads (or paying for Premium). If you're an Apple fan, you have two great options available to you. The first is Apple's "new device offer", which gives you three months of Apple Music for free. Advertisement This is Apple's own Spotify rival that normally costs £10.99 a month. You get it if you've recently bought an Set up your new device, then just launch the Apple Music app and your offer should appear right away. Claim it and away you go. Sky customers can claim delicious freebies in new giveaway scheme Apple Music can also be heavily discounted if you're a student. You can claim a one-month trial, and then pay just £5.99 a month for up to 48 months. Advertisement All you need to be eligible for the offer is to be enrolled in a degree-granting university. It means you'll save £240 over the course of four years. Not a bad saving. 14 Apple AirPods entitle you to a handy music freebie Credit: Apple FREE TV There's also no end of free telly available if you know where to look. In the Music section above, I mentioned how you could get half-price Apple Music. Advertisement Well, if you're eligible for that offer, Apple also chucks in Once you start the Apple Music Student subscription, just go to Apple TV and it'll work right away. The only catch is that you can't share it with Family Sharing. 14 Apple Music Student subscriptions also come with a special TV perk Credit: Apple You can also get Apple TV+ for free if you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac. You'll be able to bag three months of membership – normally that would be £8.99 a month, totalling £26.97. Advertisement And you can even share this with up to five other family members through Family Sharing. You'll just need to claim the deal within three months of first setting up new new Apple gadget. 14 Apple TV+ is packed with top telly, including hit footie comedy/drama series Ted Lasso Credit: Apple But what else is out there? If you're an Amazon Prime member, you probably know that you get Prime Video as part of your membership. Advertisement But you can also take a cut-price membership that only gives you Prime Video, which costs just £5.99 a month instead of £8.99 for full Prime. There's also a deal that gets you 14 Prime Video is loaded with amazing telly Credit: Amazon How much does Amazon Prime cost? Here's how the prices break down... Prime monthly (£8.99 monthly) – £107.88 a year Prime annual – £95 a year Prime Video (£5.99 monthly) – £71.88 a year Prime 18-22/student (£4.49 monthly) – £53.88 a year Prime 18-22/student annual – £47.49 a year Prime 18-22/student monthly + 6-month free trial – £26.94 for first year Prime 18-22/student annual + 6-month free trial – £23.75 for first year Picture Credit: Amazon An even thriftier option is to take advantage of the endless supply of free TV apps out there. Normally, the catch is that you'll need to view ads – but you'll also have to sit through commercial breaks even on the cheapest paid-for Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ tiers. Advertisement I tested a load of If you've got a Samsung TV, then you probably know that you can enjoy Samsung TV Plus for free. That'll get you loads of live TV channels. 14 Samsung TV Plus isn't just for televisions – it works on your mobile too Credit: Samsung But it's also possible to unlock Samsung TV Plus on Samsung phones and tablets too – something many telly fans miss. Just go into the app store and download Samsung TV Plus and you'll get the same enormous library of free telly. Advertisement FREE GAMES Obviously, there's no shortage of free games out there on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. In fact, I served up free top picks that you'll actually play for hours earlier this year – check out my guide to the 14 Apple Arcade is filled with premium games for you to play Credit: Apple But there are some great ways of playing premium titles for free, too. Once again, there's a nice Apple freebie available if you've snagged one of the company's gadgets recently. Advertisement If you've bought a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac, it comes with three free months of Apple Arcade (and up to six family members can access it). Apple Arcade is a special subscription service (normally £6.99 a month) that gets you access to more than 200 games. These are all free from ads, don't have any hidden fees or micro-transactions, and can't be found for free elsewhere. Just set up your device and then tap the Apple Arcade app within the first three months to claim your trial period. Next up, there's a nice perk for anyone with an Amazon Prime subscription. Advertisement Amazon operates a special "cloud gaming" service called Luna. It's a bit like Netflix, but for video games. 14 Amazon Luna lets you stream console-quality games over the internet – and you don't even need a console Credit: Amazon So instead of needing a console, you can just Normally this would require paying for an £8.99-a-month subscription to Amazon Luna+. But if you have a Prime subscription, you can play a rolling selection of games for free. These are console-quality games. Advertisement One of them is Fortnite, a shooter game that's one of the most popular titles in the world. AMAZON LUNA – CAN YOU PLAY? Here's what you need to know... Amazon says that you need a minimum internet speed of 10Mbps. You can check yours online at For web browsers on your iPhone, iPad, or Android, you need the following: Chrome web browser (version 83+) for PC, Mac, and (version 86+) Chromebook. Microsoft Edge web browser (version 90+) for PC and Mac. Safari web browser (iOS 15+) for iPhone and (iPadOS 15+) iPad. Chrome web browser (version 86+) for Android (Android 10+) devices. Compatible controllers for iPhone and Android include: Luna Controller PlayStation 4 DualShock Wireless Controller PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller Xbox One Controller Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Google Stadia Controller Picture Credit: Amazon All you need is a joypad – even an Xbox or PlayStation one you've got lying around – that can connect to your telly or Amazon Fire Stick. Then just download the Amazon Luna app and away you go. No console needed – and no Luna+ subscription either. Another nifty option is available for free if you have Netflix. Your Netflix TV subscription includes access to a load of Advertisement 14 Your Netflix subscription comes with a treasure trove of free mobile games Credit: Netflix Just go to the Netflix app on your mobile, scroll down to Mobile Games, and then you'll be able to download them via the App Store. Your Netflix subscription will grant you access to play them for free instead of paying. There are a bunch of great options on there right now, including: Stranger Things: 1984 Exploding Kittens Game Reigns: Three Kingdoms RollerCoaster Tycoon Touch Squid Game: Unleashed Oxenfree Dead Cells: Netflix Edition GTA: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition Asphalt Extreme Blood Line: A Rebel Moon Game There are loads more titles too, and Netflix is constantly adding extra games. So make sure you're making the most of these bonus freebies. Advertisement Finally, for a fun free option, go into Instagram and open a DM with someone. Send an emoji – it can be anything, like a heart or football – and then tap it. It'll take you through to a 14 Your Instagram DMs are hiding a fun free game Credit: The Sun / Instagram FREE BOOKS & AUDIOBOOKS If you're happy to read virtual books – or listen to audiobooks – then there are some great free options. Advertisement For a start, Audible has a brilliant free tier that gets you free audiobooks without paying a penny. There's a rolling library that Amazon (which owns Audible) updates, and you don't need to have a membership to claim them. And if you've got Amazon Prime, you can start a 30-day Audible trial to claim two free audiobooks of your choice instead of one. 14 Audible is a great option for thrifty book fans Credit: Amazon / Audible For e-books, Amazon Prime members are able to enjoy select books for free through Prime Reading. Advertisement And you can also take advantage of Amazon First Reads to choose one of next month's Kindle books for free too. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can use Apple Books to check out a load of free ebooks. This includes a load of classics, plus some newer titles too. Spotify members can get involved too. If you have a Premium membership, you get 15 hours of audiobook listening time every single month. FREE PHONE STORAGE Always running out of phone storage? Often the advice is to back up your media to the cloud – but that fills up pretty quickly too. Advertisement Thankfully there are some ways to get free cloud storage. For a start, Apple offers 5GB of cloud storage for free through iCloud. You'll have to pay for extra – but it's at least something. 14 iCloud comes with 5GB of storage for free Credit: Apple Then every Google account comes with 15GB of free storage. You'll be able to use that in Google Drive or Google Photos (but it also pulls from Gmail). So if you want to just store photos and videos, consider setting up a second free Google account to put those there – and keep the storage on your main account for emails. Advertisement Amazon also hosts a cloud storage service that offers up 5GB of free storage. But if you have Amazon Prime, you can bag unlimited storage for photos. That's a pretty generous offer, so consider taking advantage of it for backing up your pics. 14 Google also offers up free cloud storage for your files Credit: Google Microsoft's OneDrive also offers 5GB of free storage with a Microsoft account, and Dropbox Basic gives you 2GB of no-cost storage.
