Technology
Goodbye to WhatsApp on some Android phones: Check if your device is affected
If your smartphone is old, it may be time for an upgrade. If you have any of these models, you will have problems using WhatsApp starting in January 2025.
Some smartphone models with Android and iOS operating systems will lose compatibility with WhatsApp next year, since the app’s new functions and security measures that come with each update require more modern operating systems.
This development will affect a number of older smartphones, making them incompatible with the messaging app. To continue using the service, users will have to upgrade to newer models.
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Goodbye to WhatsApp on some Android phones: These are the affected devices
According to the WhatsApp help center website, the platform supports phones with Android OS 5.0 and later, as well as iPhone phones with iOS 12 and later.
Here are the brands and models on which WhatsApp will no longer be supported:
- Apple: iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE.
- Samsung: Galaxy Ace Plus, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Express 2, Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S4 Zoom.
- Motorola: Moto G, Moto X.
- Sony: Xperia Z1, Xperia E3.
- LG: Optimus 4X HD, Optimus G, Optimus G Pro, Optimus L7.
- Lenovo: Lenovo 46600, Lenovo A858T, Lenovo P70, Lenovo S890.
- Huawei: Ascend P6 S, Ascend G525, Huawei C199, Huawei GX1s, Huawei Y625.
Additionally, starting May 5, 2025, only devices running iOS 15.1 and later will be supported.
WhatsApp explains that devices and software change frequently, so operating systems are periodically reviewed to see if they can keep pace with the corresponding updates.
“Every year we analyze which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. It is also possible that these devices do not have the latest security updates or the functionality required to run WhatsApp,” it said.
Before the platform stops supporting an operating system, users will receive a notification on WhatsApp, along with multiple reminders that they need to update their operating system.
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