WhatsApp is set to stop working on a few Android and iOS smartphones, running on relatively older versions of the operating system, starting from October 24. As per the Meta-owned platform, WhatsApp’s official website, it will stop supporting Android smartphones running on Android OS 5.0 or below.
This is a significant step that the platform takes to keep updating the features and interface which results in the end of support for the older versions of devices. It includes smartphones from brands including Samsung, Google, Sony, LG, and other companies.
What are the eligibility criteria for supporting WhatsApp?
The current eligibility criteria to use WhatsApp are-
- Android phones running OS 5.1 and above.
- iPhones with iOS 12 and newer
- Phones with KaiOS 2.5.0 and above, such as JioPhone and JioPhone 2.
It’s recommended to update your device if it’s currently running on these older software versions.
How to check the current version of your Android OS smartphone
To check if WhatsApp will continue to function on your device, you need to know the version of your operating system. Simply go to Phone Settings, scroll down to About phone, and then check the software information of your smartphone. If your smartphone is running on Android 5.0 or an earlier version, the messaging platform will end its support for that device from the stated time i.e. October 24.
How to check the OS version on iOS
To check the version of the operating system on iOS, go to general settings and hit the ‘About’ option in which the current version running on your iPhone will be visible.
What happens if WhatsApp ends support for your phone’s operating system?
Before ending support on your device, WhatsApp will send a notification to users informing them about the same. After that, users are either required to update their phones to the supported version (if an update is available) or switch to another device that runs on the supported version (Android 5.0 or above).
How will this affect users?
Starting from October 24, users with these smartphones will no longer be able to use WhatsApp applications, or at least not the most up-to-date version. Additionally. It is important to highlight that the older version of WhatsApp will not have access to the latest features and may become more vulnerable to hacks and breaches due to a lack of safety and security updates.
Here is a list of some devices that will stop supporting WhatsApp
HTC One
Sony Xperia Z
LG Optimus G Pro
Samsung Galaxy S
HTC Desire HD
