WhatsApp, the world’s leading messaging app, has announced that it will discontinue its support for certain older devices starting Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
In a statement posted on its FAQ page, the app’s parent company, Meta, revealed that it will no longer function on smartphones running Android 4.1 or earlier versions.
Likewise, iPhones still operating on iOS 11 or lower will also be impacted by this change.
WhatsApp will limit its support to phones running Android 5.1 and higher, beginning on the specified date.
However, the messaging platform will continue to provide services for iPhones using iOS 12 and newer, as well as KaiOS 2.5.0 and above.
A message from WhatsApp stated, “Starting October 24, 2023, only Android OS version 5.0 and newer will be supported. Your phone must be capable of receiving SMS or calls during the verification process. We do not support setting up new accounts on WiFi-only devices.
“Prior to discontinuing support for your operating system, WhatsApp will provide direct notifications within the app well in advance, along with reminders to upgrade.”
While WhatsApp did not release a list of specific affected phone models, it is expected that Android users with devices from manufacturers such as Sony, HTC, LG, Motorola, and others may be impacted.
Additionally, iPhone users still on iOS 11 are encouraged to update to iOS 12 to continue using the messaging app.
WhatsApp has pledged to keep its users informed by regularly updating its support page with the latest information on compatible operating systems.
