CALIFORNIA: In a recent development, Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, has declared that starting from January 1, 2025, older Android and iPhone devices will not be able to use WhatsApp.
This move has been taken for the fast-paced nature of technological advancements and to intensify the security, functionality, and ease of use of the app. Phones running KitKat OS or older Android versions will no longer be able to support WhatsApp. This contains several pre-2015 popular models from Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony.
Whichever the case, the reason is that WhatsApp wants to be ahead of the time and leverage newer technologies such as end-to-end encryption, multi-device support, advanced video calling, and AI-driven features that older devices are simply incapable of.
Mobile Phones which will be Affected
The excluded devices include Samsung’s Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Ace 3, and Galaxy S4 Mini, in addition to Motorola’s Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, and Moto E 2014. Once again, HTC’s One X, One X+, Desire 500, and Desire 601 users will not be able to use WhatsApp, in addition to LG’s Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, and L90.
Sony’s Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, and Xperia V are the last affected devices. Besides that, iPhone users with devices running iOS 15.1 or lower will have an extended period until May 5, 2025, before they will have to do their upgrades.
This implies that iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus users will need to upgrade at least the operating system if they wish to continue using WhatsApp.
Meta declares plans to pivot to requiring more modern hardware in order to ensure that WhatsApp remains online, secure, and efficient in catching up with software advancement. With mounting anxiety surrounding privacy and cybersecurity, the adoption of this policy indicates the company’s efforts to keep pace with the demands of modernity.
Older said devices are usually left spraying-dangerously to malware and virus attacks due to not being competent enough to be upgraded regularly when it comes to technology, and no real-time software update denied them a certain app performance as compared to the newest devices.
What is also of note is that WhatsApp’s decision to withdraw support for these devices underlines the images of technological evolution, constantly sweeping demand for newer software and hardware applications and services.
The importance of modern devices capable of absorbing such complex threats will simply enhance with the growing sophistication of such cyber-attacks.
What users need to do
It is a good idea for affected users to get their devices upgraded or possibly make sure they have installed the latest OS versions available for their phones.
For Android, the minimum version for that purpose would need to be 4.0.3. If one uses an iPhone, his/her phone will need to be on iOS 16 or any higher version to continue using the app.
Therefore, everybody is highly encouraged to sort it out to avoid interruptions in WhatsApp service.
