WhatsApp to stop working on some phones this month
WhatsApp has announced that the app will no longer work on certain smartphones
Popular messaging app WhatsApp will stop working on some phones from this month
(Image: Getty Images )
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging platform, with two billion users engaging monthly worldwide. However, from this month onwards, some individuals may find themselves cut off from WhatsApp, as the app ceases to function on specific older smartphone models.
The change was implemented on June 1 and targets phones that are over 10 years old, due to compatibility issues with WhatsApp's operating system requirements. Consequently, dated smartphone models will lose access to the app owing to heightened security measures. Although scheduled to take effect in May, the updates were deferred until this month.
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According to the Liverpool Echo, iPhones that were launched in 2014 or before which are unable to update to iOS version 15.1 will not support WhatsApp anymore.
For those using Android, the app now necessitates a minimum of OS 5.0, also released in 2014, reports Bristol Live.
WhatsApp had warned users through pop-up messages insisting they need to: "update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp."
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These notifications were dispatched to iPhone users unable to upgrade beyond iOS 15.1.
Affected models include the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, amongst other earlier versions, which are incompatible with iOS 18 and thus, can't be updated – leading to WhatsApp discontinuing its service on these devices.
Android phones such as Samsung's Galaxy S III, the HTC One X, and the Sony Xperia Z will also no longer be able to run the messaging app.
Meta has announced its decision to phase out support for certain old phones, as these models lack the necessary security updates and modern features that are essential to run WhatsApp efficiently, 9to5Mac reports.
It was a little over a year ago when Apple designated the iPhone 6 as "obsolete", signalling the brand's intentions to discontinue repairs or services. As a result, even third-party providers are unable to source parts for the device.
For those with compatible devices, WhatsApp continues to roll out enhancements, introducing a hefty twelve new features.
The recent additions bring about major improvements to chat functionalities: an online indicator appears in group chats now, highlighted notifications for groups, timely event updates, reactions enabled with a simple tap, document scanning directly on an iPhone, and setting WhatsApp as your iPhone's primary messaging app has been made possible.
Calls on WhatsApp have received their own set of updates, with users now being able to zoom during a video call using the pinch gesture, adding contacts mid-call seamlessly, and experiencing better quality calls with reduced chances of video freezing.
Channels on WhatsApp aren't left behind either, benefiting from newly integrated video notes and concise voice messages, alongside the ability to share a specific QR code linking straight to a particular channel.
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