Is Your Phone Affected? WhatsApp to Discontinue Service on Certain Older Models

WhatsApp has become an essential part of users’ daily lives, with a wide range of devices supporting the app, including Android, iOS, and KaiOS. However, the app periodically updates its operating system requirements, rendering some older devices incompatible. In light of this, WhatsApp has recently announced new device OS requirements, prompting users to verify their Android device’s compatibility with the app.

WhatsApp compatible devices

According to a WhatsApp support blog post, some changes have been made to the operating system requirements for Android devices. Now WhatsApp only works on devices with Android version 5.0 or higher. Previously, the app supported Android version 4.1, and now the requirements have been changed. The changes will take effect from 24 October 2023. So if you have a smartphone that doesn’t support Android version 5, you’ll need to plan to upgrade your device to a compatible one to meet the eligibility requirements.

WhatsApp plans to notify and remind users before ending support for the Android version. Through the notification, users are advised to switch to a compatible device to be able to use WhatsApp and all its new features.

According to a report by MySmartPrice, WhatsApp is changing its application requirements for security reasons. It is said that smartphones with older version of Android are defenseless when it comes to protecting smartphones from security attacks. Another possible reason would be the introduction of new and advanced features to applications. Several smartphones do not work with some high-end features. Therefore, these changes have been made to improve the user experience so that they can experience all the features of WhatsApp.

Apple iPhones running iOS 12 or later could support WhatsApp, and KaiOS would require version 2.5.0 or later.

No changes have been made to iOS and KaiOS devices so far.

If you are someone who does not know the Android version of their smartphone, you can go to the settings and check the “About phone” section.

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