WhatsApp will stop working on older iOS and Android smartphones from November 1. Such rumours circulate every year, but this time WhatsApp has revised its FAQ page to clarify that some older smartphones will no longer support the messaging service, and the company has also advised users to update their apps or move to a compatible device.
WhatsApp’s FAQ page has been revised to state that the messaging application will only operate on Android phones running OS 4.1 or later. From November 1, 2021, WhatsApp will no longer support Android phones running OS 4.0.4 and older. It will work with Android smartphones that may receive SMS or phone calls during the verification procedure.
If you have a phone that runs on OS 4.0.4 or earlier and it is not compatible with the current Android 11, you will have no choice except to replace it.
Similarly, WhatsApp will discontinue support for iPhones running iOS 9 and earlier. WhatsApp is only available on iPhones running iOS 10 or later. If your iPhone is compatible with the current version, you need update to the latest version of the operating system or replace your phone entirely to use WhatsApp. The changes will take effect on November 1. “We don’t explicitly restrict the use of jailbroken or unlocked devices. However, because these modifications might affect the functionality of your device, we can’t provide support for devices using modified versions of the iPhone’s operating system,” the FAQ page read. WhatsApp is yet to share the list of devices that will lose WhatsApp access.
