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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
WhatsApp stops working on some phones - see if you're affected
From this month onwards, WhatsApp will cease to function on certain mobile phones. The change, which took effect on June 1, will impact devices over a decade old. WhatsApp's adjustments to its compatibility with various operating systems means older smartphones will no longer support the app due to security concerns. Although initially scheduled for May, these changes were postponed until this month. iPhones released in 2014 or earlier, which cannot upgrade to iOS version 15.1, will be affected. The minimum requirement for Android devices is now OS 5.0, released in 2014. WhatsApp had notified users that they must "update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp." These notifications were sent to users running an iOS version earlier than 15.1 on their iPhones, reports the Liverpool Echo. iPhones 5s, 6, and 6 Plus, or any earlier models, will be incompatible with iOS 18, preventing users from updating their phones, and consequently, WhatsApp will cease to function on these devices. Android devices such as Samsung's Galaxy S III, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia Z will no longer support Meta's messaging app. According to Meta's FAQ page, as cited by 9to5Mac, the decision to discontinue support for these legacy phones stems from their lack of the latest security updates and functionality required to run WhatsApp. Apple has relegated the iPhone 6 to the "obsolete" category over a year ago, which means they've ceased offering repair or servicing for the device. Third-party service providers are in the same boat, no longer being able to order parts for the gadgets. This April, WhatsApp launched a dozen new features for its users to rejoice over. With more than two billion active users, WhatsApp holds the crown as the most favoured messaging app worldwide. Taking to their website with a fresh blog post, WhatsApp remarks: "To keep you in the loop, we'll be sharing regular roundups of the latest updates, tools, and settings." The latest roundup showcases some snazzy new features that have been recently introduced, which might have slipped under your radar. They include: Online indicator in group chats: To let you suss out who's around for a natter, you can now clock how many folks are 'online' in real-time, tucked right beneath the group moniker. Highlight notifications in groups: Fancy a quieter life? The fresh 'Notify for' setting lets you choose 'Highlights' to trim down notifications to @mentions, replies, and yarns from your phonebook, or pick 'All' to stay on top of all group babble. Events updates: Chuffed to bits, now you can knock up an event in a cheeky 1-on-1 chat. WhatsApp's also dished out a 'maybe' RSVP option, the chance to invite a mate, slam in an end date and time for those epic do's, plus pin the soiree in your chat. Tappable reactions: You can quick as a flash take a look at everyone else's thumbs-ups (and other feels) – just give a tap to toss in your tuppence worth. 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. 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 friend's 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: As a channel admin, you can now share a unique QR code that links directly to your channel, making it easy to share with others and grow their audience.
Metro
4 days ago
- Metro
WhatsApp will stop working on a range of iPhones today – is yours on the list?
Messaging app WhatsApp will stop working altogether on some phones from today. It affects phones that are around ten years old, so if you have managed to keep yours this long without fatally dropping it or putting it in the washing machine, it might be time to retire it even so. Changes to WhatsApp 's compatibility with operating systems mean some older smartphones will no longer be able to run the popular app, due to security concerns. The change had been slated to happen from May 5, but it was pushed back to June 1. It will affect oldschool iPhones released in 2014 or earlier, which cannot be upgraded to the 15.1 iOS version. Additonally, the minimum requirement for Android phones is now OS 5.0, which was released in 2014. Which phones are losing access? The number of people affected by this will not be particularly large – only those with enough talent for technological TLC to have kept their devices in working condition for a decade need worry (if this is you… respect). But if you're using a device that old, it's worth reading on to see if it is named on the list. Here are the models that no longer support WhatsApp from June 1, 2025. iPhone 5s iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus If your iPhone is newer but you are still having problems with WhatsApp, it may be that you need to update the operating system in Settings. Meta, which owns WhatsApp, says the changes are part of regular updates to ensure the app stays secure and functional while working with newer phones. It is because the older phones cannot run the newest software from Apple, so any errors cannot be fixed, making them more vulnerable. The first WhatsApp compatibility update came on January 1, 2025, when WhatsApp stopped supporting Android's KitKat OS in addition to any older versions. Some users who still have KitKat on their phones will still be able to use WhatsApp provided their device can be updated to a more recent OS. However, there are a number of older phone models which are no longer provided with official updates by their maker. This means they can't be updated to a more recent OS unless the user attempts certain types of DIY tinkering, which would void the phone's warranty and insurance and risk 'bricking' it (rendering it inoperable.) The following Android phones became WhatsApp incompatible on January 1, 2025: Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E 2014 HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601 LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90 Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V These changes affect both the regular WhatsApp application and WhatsApp Business, which has the same system requirements. Why is WhatsApp withdrawing support for some phones? Meta says they 'regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates. '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.' Will I lose my messages? The company say that anyone at risk of no longer being able to use WhatsApp on their phone will be notified and reminded 'a few times' to upgrade. To be sure of having access in any future updates, you can back up chat history to iCloud or a Google account. Open the app, go to Settings, then Chats, and then Chat Backup. Follow the steps outlined, and you will then be able to easily use WhatsApp as you normally would on a new phone. A version of this article was first published on December 29, 2024. check our news page.
