WhatsApp to End Support for THESE Android Smartphones Starting January 1, 2025 | See Full List
WhatsApp to End Support for Older Android Devices Starting January 1, 2025.
Meta has announced that WhatsApp will stop supporting Android devices running KitKat OS or earlier versions from January 1, 2025. This decision, which could affect millions of users globally, is part of the company’s routine updates to enhance compatibility with modern technologies and maintain security standards.
Released in 2013, Android KitKat has become increasingly obsolete as most smartphones now run on newer Android versions. Meta’s decision to phase out support for KitKat highlights the difficulty of ensuring backward compatibility while delivering new features for advanced operating systems.
The discontinuation means affected devices will no longer receive updates, bug fixes, or security patches for WhatsApp. This move impacts certain models from brands such as Samsung, LG, and Sony, as these older platforms lack the necessary capabilities to support new updates and could pose security risks.
WhatsApp: Full List of Android Phones Losing Support from January 1, 2025
Meta has announced that WhatsApp will no longer be accessible on the following Android devices starting January 1, 2025:
Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E 2014
HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
This decision is part of WhatsApp’s routine updates to maintain compatibility with current security standards and features. Meta periodically revises its minimum requirements for Android and iOS, ensuring the app keeps up with advancements in technology.
WhatsApp to End Support for Older iPhones in 2025
From May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will require iOS 15.1 or higher, ending support for devices running earlier versions of iOS. This includes older beta versions on TestFlight. While the app currently supports iOS 12 and above, the update will impact older iPhones such as:
iPhones Affected: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus (limited to iOS 12.5.7)
Users with newer iPhones still running older software can upgrade to iOS 15.1 or later to retain access to WhatsApp. Those unable to update due to hardware limitations are advised to explore other options.
These changes will affect both the standard WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, as both rely on the same system requirements. The move is aimed at improving performance, security, and compatibility for modern devices, ensuring an enhanced user experience.
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