WhatsApp users using older Android phones may soon be forced to stop using the app. WhatsApp’s recent announcement reveals its plan to discontinue support for Android versions 4.1 through 4.4.4 on 24 October 2023.
After this date, the app will require a minimum Android version of 5.0 if you want to keep using WhatsApp.
To determine your Android device’s current version, take the following steps: Open your Android device’s settings, navigate to “About,” and select “Android version.”
It’s important to note that the specific location of this information within the settings may vary across different phones and tablets.
If you discover that your device is still running Android 4.1, there’s nothing you can do. It’s advisable to consider the purchase of a new smartphone.
The reason why WhatsApp has decided to drop support for older Android versions is because:
Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.
To choose what to stop supporting, every year we, like other technology companies, look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest number of people still using them.
These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.
For iPhone users, you just need to make sure that you are running at least iOS 12 and newer.
