WhatsApp, widely recognized as the world’s leading messaging application, has announced a significant update regarding its support policy for older mobile devices. Specifically, it will discontinue support for 35 devices running outdated versions of Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS operating systems. This strategic decision aims to ensure compatibility across a diverse range of smartphones, including those powered by Android, iOS, and feature phones using alternative operating systems like KaiOS.
The affected devices include various models from major manufacturers such as Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, Sony, LG, and Apple. While some of these devices have capable hardware, they are unable to receive necessary upgrades. This development has surprised users who still rely on them for WhatsApp access.
To continue using WhatsApp securely, users are advised to transition to devices running Android 5.0 or later, or iPhones with iOS 12 or later. Devices operating on older systems will no longer receive updates, potentially exposing them to security vulnerabilities.
The complete list of devices losing WhatsApp support includes:
Samsung:
- Galaxy Ace Plus
- Galaxy Core
- Galaxy Express 2
- Galaxy Grand
- Galaxy Note 3 N9005 LTE
- Galaxy Note 3 Neo LTE+
- Galaxy S 19500
- Galaxy S3 Mini VE
- Galaxy S4 Active
- Galaxy S4 mini I9190
- Galaxy S4 mini I9192 Duos
- Galaxy S4 mini I9195 LTE
- Galaxy S4 Zoom
Apple:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone SE
Motorola:
- Moto G
- Moto X
Huawei:
- Ascend P6 S
- Ascend G525
- Huawei C199
- Huawei GX1s
- Huawei Y625
Lenovo:
- Lenovo 46600
- Lenovo A858T
- Lenovo P70
- Lenovo S890
Sony:
- Xperia Z1
- Xperia E3
LG:
- Optimus 4X HD P880
- Optimus G
- Optimus G Pro
- Optimus L7
Other devices:
- Sony Xperia M
- Lenovo A820
- Faea F1
- THL W8
- Archos 53 Platinum
- Wiko Cink Five
- Wiko Darknight
- ZTE V956
- ZTE UMi X2
- ZTE Grand S Flex
- ZTE Grand Memo
WhatsApp’s decision emphasizes its commitment to maintaining high standards of security and functionality, encouraging users to upgrade to newer devices capable of supporting the latest features and security updates.
