As of January 1, WhatsApp will no longer work on many older phone models with Android and iOS operating systems. Examples are Samsung Galaxy S2, iPhone 4 or Motorola Droid Razr.
To further support the app, smartphones must have an Android 4.0.3, iOS 9, or newer version of the platforms installed.
In some cases, users can install these operating systems.
If you have an older smartphone, you can check if a newer version of the operating system is available for it. On Android you need to go to Settings / System / System update. Depending on the phone manufacturer, the path may be different. At Samsung it is Settings / Software update, and at LG we have Settings / System / Update center / Software Update.
To check which version of Android you have, go to Settings / About Phone.
WhatsApp disappears on a few iPhone models
In iOS, the operating system can be updated to the latest version available from Settings / General / Software Update.
The good news is that in the case of the iPhone 6S, 6S Plus and iPhone SE (first generation), the update is not a problem, because the devices have access even to iOS 14, Apple’s latest operating system.
According to Statista, about 60% of Android smartphones in use use an operating system version older than two years. By comparison, 81% of iPhone devices run the latest version of iOS.
WhatsApp is the most popular chat application in the world, being used every month by over 2 billion people worldwide.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.