- WhatsApp to drop support for older generations of mobile operating systems from November 1st, 2021.
- Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, iOS 9, and KaiOS 2.5.0 or older will no longer be supported.
- Jailbroken iPhones irrespective of the iOS generation will no longer be supported.
WhatsApp often updates its minimum system requirements to run the messaging application on various mobile platforms. WhatsApp typically drops support of some older generations of operating systems and requires users to upgrade to a newer version of OS or get a newer device that meets WhatsApp’s basic requirements. The Facebook-owned company has recently updated its requirements and will be dropping support for Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, iOS 9, and KaiOS 2.5.0 from November 1s, 2021. The last time the Facebook-owned messaging service took such a step was back in December 2020. This means this new announcement comes within a year of the previous requirement correction.
Also read: WhatsApp for iPad: Zuckerberg confirms WhatsApp iPad app as part of multi-device support
WhatsApp drops support for older Android and iOS versions
WhatsApp earlier in February 2020 took a similar step when it declared that it will be retracting support for Android 2.3.7 or older, as well as iPhones using iOS 8 and older. This meant users on devices running these operating systems would no longer be able to use the latest version of WhatsApp on their devices. WhatsApp has again pushed out an announcement which states that the company will soon be wrapping up its support for Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, iOS 9, and KaiOS 2.5.0 from November 1st, 2021. This means that devices currently running the aforementioned operating systems will no longer be able to enjoy WhatsApp’s services.
In case, you are one of the very few users currently sticking to an older version of these popular operating systems, you will be required to update your device to a newer version. If your device does not support a newer version of WhatsApp, then the only option is to upgrade to a new device, which meets the basic requirements.
For Android and iOS users, the update process is simpler, however, for KaiOS users it is a bit more complex. Users might not find it easy to upgrade to a newer system. It is also possible that OEMs have not pushed for newer software to their old devices. The company has mentioned that it will require devices to run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, iOS 10, or KaiOS 2.5.1 or newer versions to run the instant messaging service. WhatsApp specifically mentions that any jailbroken iPhone, despite running a supported version of the iOS, will not be able to run WhatsApp.
List of phone models that will no longer support WhatsApp
- Apple: iPhone SE (1st Gen), 6s and 6s Plus
- Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite, Galaxy Trend II, Galaxy S2, Galaxy S3 mini, Galaxy Xcover 2, Galaxy Core, and Galaxy Ace 2
- LG: LG Lucid 2, Optimus F7, Optimus F5, Optimus L3 II Dual, Optimus F5, Optimus L5, Optimus L5 II, Optimus L5 Dual, Optimus L3 II, Optimus L7, Optimus L7 II Dual, Optimus L7 II, Optimus F6, Enact, Optimus L4 II Dual, Optimus F3, Optimus L4 II, Optimus L2 II, Optimus Nitro HD and 4X HD, and Optimus F3Q
- ZTE: ZTE Grand S Flex, ZTE V956, Grand X Quad V987 and Grand Memo
- Huawei: Huawei Ascend G740, Ascend Mate, Ascend D Quad XL, Ascend D1 Quad XL, Ascend P1 S and Ascend D2
- Sony: Sony Xperia Miro, Sony Xperia Neo L, and Xperia Arc S
- Other brands: Alcatel One Touch Evo 7, Archos 53 Platinum, HTC Desire 500, Caterpillar Cat B15, Wiko Cink Five, Wiko Darknight, Lenovo A820, UMi X2, Faea F1, and THL W8
