WhatsApp Ending Support for Older iOS, Android Versions

WhatsApp confirmed it'll end support for older versions of iOS and Android early next year.

In a security bulletin, the messaging platform revealed it'll no longer support iOS 8 or earlier and Android 2.3.7 or earlier. iOS 8 debuted five years ago, and Gingerbread arrived in December 2010. Given how old they are, WhatsApp shouldn't earn criticism for dropping support and focusing on more recent versions.

Features on unsupported iOS and Android versions could stop functioning at any time. Since the developer no longer designs its app for them, WhatsApp cannot guarantee a complete experience in the future. WhatsApp encourages users to remain on recent hardware and software in order to receive new features and security enhancements. It'll continue introducing updates as frequently as needed.

Everything will take effect after February 1, but WhatsApp announced outdated smartphones are already blocked from creating new accounts and verifying existing accounts.

WhatsApp's supported mobile operating systems now include iOS 9 or later, Android 4.0.3 or later, and KaiOS 2.5.1 or later.

Windows Phone, meanwhile, has reached the end of its run. The app will cease functioning on Microsoft's mobile operating system after December 31. Microsoft pulled the plug on its platform completely, so everyone hanging on to Windows Phone devices should upgrade to iOS or Android as soon as possible.

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