This primarily affects devices running older versions of Android, such as Android KitKat—first released in 2013—and even earlier operating systems. Additionally, this change will impact other platforms under Meta, including Facebook and Instagram.
The reason for the discontinued support is WhatsApp’s evolving features and functionalities. Furthermore, older operating systems often lack the necessary capabilities for these advanced features and can also present security vulnerabilities. While WhatsApp will still function on these older smartphones, updates, bug fixes, and security patches will be discontinued for the affected devices.
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Meta is looking to implement more demanding features, AI functionalities, etc., requiring more modern hardware, hence the decision. Here are most of the phones that are getting axed:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
- Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E 2014
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
Perhaps some of you are still using those devices as burner phones, but in case you are still rocking either of them as a daily driver, you should find a way to backup all your WhatsApp data on a newer device. Otherwise, all your media and chat history from WhatsApp will be gone after January 1, 2025.
Meta announced something similar for iPhones a few months back, ending support for iPhones running on iOS older than version 15.1. However, the company will retain support for these handsets until May 2025.
