New Delhi: On January 1, 2021, WhatsApp will no longer function on select iPhone models and Android handsets.Many Android and iOS phones might not be able to use the app because the developer will stop supporting outdated OS versions starting next year. WhatsApp said the move was essential to safeguarding its users’ security.
“WhatsApp had no choice except to maintain the security of its service, but it must deal with the challenging consequence that its software is incompatible with older cellphones,” said CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood.
“Due to the high percentage of older devices in growth areas, this is expected to have a disproportionately negative effect on the long-tail of its customers.”
iPhone models up to iPhone f4 will not be able to run WhatsApp anymore. Though they were all released prior to iOS 9, the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6S are still able to update their operating system. The following Android phones will no longer support WhatsApp: Samsung Galaxy S2, HTC Desire and LG Optimus Black.
The following phones will no longer support WhatsApp as of January 1, 2021:
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Apple iPhone 1-4
- HTC Desire
- LG Optimus Black
- Motorola Droid Razr
- Android devices released before 2010
The following devices must update to Android OS 4.0.3 or iOS 9 or higher:
- Apple iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6S
- Samsung Galaxy S3 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy Note
- HTC Sensation
- HTC Thunderbolt
- LG Lucid
- Motorola Droid 4
- Sony Xperia Pro and newer
