Facebook-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp has maintained that for the best experience, we recommend you use the latest software version of Android or iOS and all other compatible software. Going by their policy, this year WhatsApp will stop working on a number of smartphones.
As updated on the FAQ support page of the Facebook-owned messaging app, there are several Android and iOS phones that may not be able to run the app as the company will withdraw support for older versions of OS.
According to the information on the WhatsApp FAQ section, WhatsApp will only be compatible with phones running the Android 4.0.3 operating system or newer as well as iPhones running on iOS 9 and newer.
Last year, WhatsApp dropped support for iOS 8 and older versions of the operating system. In December, Apple confirmed that 81% of iPhone users are running iOS 14, with a further 17% on iOS 13 or earlier, which means that only 2% of iPhone users are running a version of iOS 12 or earlier, reported iMore.
So if you are still using Apple's old iPhones, it's bad news for you as WhatsApp published a new support document that shares details on ending support for devices running iOS 9 and earlier versions of the operating system (OS).
Smartphones that will be affected
For iPhones, iPhone 4 and earlier models will not support WhatsApp soon.
Users will now need an iPhone 5 or later model to use WhatsApp.
Those who are still on iOS 9, won't be able to use the popular messaging platform WhatsApp.
Users of Apple's iPhone 4 and 4s will now effectively be unable to update their WhatsApp.
Models 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, 6, and 6S will need to update their operating system to iOS 10 to continue using WhatsApp.
Users of iOS 9 were able to use the encrypted chat service, but now iOS 10 will be required.
6S, 6S Plus and the first generation iPhone SE, are the last to support the latest version of the newly released iOS 14.
How to find OS running on your phone or not?
iPhone users go to Settings > General > Information to find out software version on your iPhone. Android users go to Settings > About Phone to find out OS version running on your smartphone.
