As we enter the new year, millions of smartphone users will need to upgrade their mobiles if they want to continue using WhatsApp. While it has over a billion users, it says that changes in technology mean it has to phase out compatability with older phones.
Will you be affected by WhatsApp’s cutoff? Here’s what you need to know:
iPhone users
WhatsApp will soon stop working on any iPhone 3GS – the second generation released in 2009.
More importantly, it will also stop being supported on any device running iOS 6, so it won’t work on any iPhone 4, 4S, or 5 that hasn’t been updated to iOS 10. Same goes for iPads.
Now’s a good time to head for that Software Update.
Android users
If your device released between May 2010 and November 2011, any phones or tablets running Android 2.1 or 2.2 will no longer be supported.
Android’s latest version is 7.0 – known as “Nougat” – although it’s still not widely available.
Windows Phone users
If you’re still using Windows 7, update it as soon as possible. While Windows Phone 7 was released in October 2010, Microsoft itself stopped supporting the system in 2014, and neither will WhatsApp.
BlackBerry and Nokia users
Those who are still using BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10, Nokia S40 and Nokia Symbian S60 will still be able to use WhatsApp, but only up to June 30, 2017.
It’s fair to say that anyone with a smartphone will have WhatsApp – with its constant upgrading, it’s no surprise that our smartphones will have to keep up with its software if we want to continue using its free messaging and video calling service.
If you’re not the type to upgrade your phone frequently, then 2017 might be the year for you to do so.
