New Delhi: Starting with January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will Cease its Function to bunch of old Android devices that run on the operating system like Android, KitKat or earlier. As it is, WhatsApp will be doing so to promote better security and usability, as older operating systems may not have the modern ability to support new features or receive the necessary security updates.
The Real Reasons of Discontinuation:
The biggest reason behind this is that WhatsApp has to be secure and efficient. Older operating systems, such as KitKat, have vulnerabilities that can’t be patched. Thus, these are the types of OS that would be lacking strength and safety for handling the most delicate information such as messages and media. And with the up-growing innovation and features within WhatsApp, it certainly will need more compatible hardware and software capabilities, but which these older devices obviously do not possess.
Affected Devices:
Many devices will be impacted by this update, specific models that will lose access to WhatsApp are:
Samsung
Galaxy S3
Galaxy Note 2
Galaxy Ace 3
Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola
Moto G (1st Generation)
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 devices are generally over ten years old, which means that most users have likely upgraded to newer models. However, there may still be some individuals relying on these older phones for their daily communication needs.
For users still operating on these outdated devices, it is crucial to back up all WhatsApp data immediately. This ensures that chat histories and media can be easily restored on a newer device after the support ends. Users are encouraged to transition to smartphones running more recent versions of Android to continue enjoying WhatsApp services without interruption.
Impact on iPhone Users
It’s also worth noting that iPhone users will face similar restrictions, as Reported WhatsApp will also stop supporting iPhones running iOS versions older than 15.1 starting May 5, 2025. Affected models include the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. This staggered timeline gives iPhone users a bit more time to upgrade compared to Android users.
