WhatsApp users alert: App will stop working on 35 smartphones this year; check full list
The affected devices include various popular models. Samsung users with models like the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S3 Mini, and Galaxy S4 Mini will need to change. Motorola’s Moto G and Moto X are also on the list.
In a big update, WhatsApp has transformed its minimum system requirements, affecting users with older phones. As per a report by CanalTech, 35 mobile phones from companies like Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, Sony, LG, and Apple will no longer receive WhatsApp updates or security patches.
This move intends to upgrade the app's performance and security but forces some users to upgrade their devices to continue using WhatsApp.
Here is list of smartphones likely to lose WhatsApp support
The affected devices include various popular models. Samsung users with models like the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S3 Mini, and Galaxy S4 Mini will need to change. Motorola’s Moto G and Moto X are also on the list. For Apple, the iPhone 6 and iPhone SE will no longer support the app. Huawei, Lenovo, Sony, and LG also have numerous models affected.
Have a glimpse at some of the big phone models:
Samsung: Galaxy Ace Plus, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Express 2, Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S4 Zoom
Motorola: Moto G, Moto X
Apple: iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE
Huawei: Ascend P6 S, Ascend G525, Huawei C199, Huawei GX1s, Huawei Y625
Lenovo: Lenovo 46600, Lenovo A858T, Lenovo P70, Lenovo S890
Sony: Xperia Z1, Xperia E3
LG: Optimus 4X HD, Optimus G, Optimus G Pro, Optimus L7
WhatsApp has established fresh requirements to ensure users benefit from the new security features and app functionalities. The app will only support devices on Android 5.0 or later and iPhones with iOS 12 or later. Thus, any phone operating on systems earlier than these will no longer get key updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks.
If your phone model is affected, consider upgrading to a newer model. Using WhatsApp on an unsupported device restricts your access to fresh features and also poses massive security risks.