
According to reports, WhatsApp may now support 35 older smartphone models due to an update in minimum system requirements. Phones running iOS versions older than 12 and Android versions older than 5.0 will not be able to get security and other upgrades due to the increased minimum system requirements. Any smartphone running an operating system older than these will therefore be vulnerable to security concerns and will not receive security upgrades. To utilize WhatsApp’s new features and security updates, users with older smartphone models will need to update their devices.
New WhatsApp device requirements
As of right now, WhatsApp advises downloading the app if you have an iPhone running iOS 12 or an Android device running Android 5.0 or later. Utilizing an antiquated gadget for WhatsApp jeopardizes its security and operation, limits access to updated capabilities, and puts users at risk. As a result, updating your smartphone is advised if you want to continue using WhatsApp securely.
Names of smartphones that will stop supporting WhatsApp
The list of affected smartphone models includes a number of popular models. Customers of Samsung who own phones like the Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy S4 Mini may have to choose between different options. Users of Motorola’s Moto G and Moto X phones will also be impacted by WhatsApp’s change. WhatsApp support will be discontinued for Apple customers using earlier iPhone models, such as the iPhone 6 and iPhone SE. Users of older smartphone models from LG, Sony, Huawei, Lenovo, and Sony will also be impacted. The list of all impacted devices for which WhatsApp support will be discontinued is provided here.
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Core
- Samsung Galaxy Express 2
- Samsung Galaxy Grand
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom
Motorola
- Motorola Moto G
- Motorola Moto X
iPhone
- Apple iPhone 5
- Apple iPhone 6
- Apple iPhone 6S
- Apple iPhone 6S Plus
- Apple iPhone SE
Huawei
- Huawei Ascend P6 S
- Huawei Ascend G525
- Huawei C199
- Huawei GX1s
- Huawei Y625
Lenovo
- Lenovo 46600
- Lenovo A858T
- Lenovo P70
- Lenovo S890
- Lenovo A820
Sony
- Sony Xperia Z1
- Sony Xperia E3
- Sony Xperia M
LG
- LG Optimus 4X HD
- LG Optimus G
- LG Optimus G Pro
- LG Optimus L7
How to check Android OS version of your phone?
You must navigate to Phone Settings > About phone > Software information in order to find out which operating system is installed on your smartphone. October marks the end of the messaging platform’s support for smartphones running Android 4.0 or earlier.
What users can do if their handsets are on the list?
Those who use gadgets that are on this list have to think about purchasing a new model or upgrading. Those who stick with outdated versions of WhatsApp will miss out on new features and run the risk of serious security issues. Upgrading their phone models will guarantee a seamless user experience while helping to secure their calls, messages, and other important data.