WhatsApp will soon stop working on 35 older models of smartphones, and users would be required to upgrade to at least a newer device to continue using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is said to increase the minimum system requirements, and this change will be affecting phones of users. According to a report by CanalTech, doing this will make 35 mobile phones, including top giants like Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, Sony, LG, and even Apple, not eligible for future WhatsApp updates or security patches. This move would improvise performance and security but at the cost of some users who have to upgrade their devices in order to continue using WhatsApp.
List of Smartphones That Will No Longer Support WhatsApp
The list contains some real best-sellers, like devices by Samsung: users who kept using the Galaxy Note 3, the Galaxy S3 Mini, or even the Galaxy S4 Mini will be required to switch to another service. Then comes Motorola with its Moto G and Moto X. Lastly, in the case of Apple devices—even an iPhone 6 and an iPhone SE will not be supported anymore by the application. Many models are also affected from Huawei, Lenovo, Sony, and LG. Among those key models are:
–Samsung: Galaxy Ace Plus, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Express 2, Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S4 Zoom
–Motorola: Moto G, Moto X
–Apple: iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE
–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, Optimus G, Optimus G Pro, Optimus L7
WhatsApp redesigns some requirements to let users enjoy security features and app functionality. Thus, the App will only work on Android 5.0 or newer and iPhones with iOS 12 or higher. This basically means that any phone running older versions than these will not be able to update their software, which shall leave them open to some potential security threats.
What to do if your phone is on the banned list
In case your phone is in the list, then it’s time to upgrade to at least a supported model. Using WhatsApp on other unsupportive devices not only limits one’s access to new features but comes with tremendous security risks. By upgrading, you ensure that your messages and calls are protected, secure, and the data is channeled appropriately.
You can check this list of unsupported devices that they have on the official WhatsApp support page to see if your phone is affected. In case you are, then you’d best start planning an upgrade real soon.
This update by WhatsApp serves to show that one ought to update often in regard to technological advancements in order to give subscribers optimum user experience and security. This might, to some extent, be frustrating for those who have to upgrade, but moving to a supported device ensures you never lose your connection with your friends and loved ones while being safe.
Stay updated and ensure that your device is ready for the new updates so all can enjoy WhatsApp services hassle-free.