WhatsApp to end support for some devices on December 31
What's the story
If you're using WhatsApp on extremely old phones, it is time to change (or at least update) the device. WhatsApp is ending support for certain operating systems, which means after some time, the service won't work on some devices. The change won't affect a vast majority of users but could disrupt the WhatsApp experience of those who haven't updated their phones. Here's more.
S40
Nokia S40 to be supported until December 31
There was a time when Nokia's S40 operating system ran on several phones including the famous Asha series. However, with the advent of Android and the sale of Nokia, the platform's dominance stopped. WhatsApp kept supporting the OS, but on December 31, it will end its support, and users of the outdated platform (and devices) won't be able to use the service.
Android
Also, some Android versions will lose support in February 2020
Along with S40, WhatsApp will end support for Android 2.3.7 and older versions on February 1, 2020. This means after this date, only users on smartphones running Android 4.0 or above will be able to use WhatsApp. However, it won't probably have much of an impact because by that time, Android Q will be here and we'll be headed for Android R.
iOS
iOS 7 and older will also lose support
On the same day itself, WhatsApp will also end support for iOS 7 and older version. As iOS 7 debuted on the iPhone 5s, users of this platform can update their devices to the latest iOS 12.1 and continue using the service. Even those using iOS 6 or older can leverage Apple's software support to update their devices to a higher version.
WhatsApp's notice
Features might stop functioning at any time
After ending support, WhatsApp will stop development for the platforms in question. "When we look ahead to our next seven years, we are looking to focus our efforts on the mobile platforms that a vast majority of people use," the company said. "These platforms/phones don't offer the kind of capabilities WhatsApp needs to expand its features".