WhatsApp to Cease Functionality on Numerous Phones Starting December
WhatsApp is ending support for a range of smartphones in December, impacting millions of users with older devices.The popular messaging app regularly updates its requirements, leading to incompatibility with aging operating systems and hardware. This change will prevent users on affected phones from creating new accounts or verifying existing ones.
The decision stems from the need to maintain security and leverage new features,which require more advanced technology than older phones can provide.While WhatsApp remains free to use, this update effectively blocks access for owners of specific android and iOS devices. Users on unsupported phones will initially receive notifications, and functionality will eventually be cut off.
Here’s a breakdown of the phones affected:
* Samsung Galaxy S5
* Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
* Motorola Moto X
* LG G4
* HTC One M8
* Huawei Ascend Mate 7
* Asus ZenFone 2
iPhone:
* iPhone 6
* iPhone 6s
* iPhone 7
* iPhone SE (first generation)
* iPhone 8
* iPhone 8 Plus
WhatsApp recommends users upgrade to a supported device to continue using the service. A full list of compatible phones can be found on the WhatsApp website. The company last updated its system requirements in 2022, and routinely phases out support for older operating systems to improve performance and security for the majority of its user base.
