A lot of users are about to be affected as WhatsApp will no longer work on certain popular smartphones from next month.
This means that you may end up having to say goodbye to the messaging app in May as WhatsApp won’t be available on certain phone models.
Older phones will no longer be able to run the app because of changes to WhatsApp’s compatibility with certain operating systems.
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Meta, the company who owns WhatsApp, have said that this change is to make sure the app stays secure and functional.
However, don’t panic just yet, this will only affect people who have somehow managed to keep their device in working order for the last decade.
For Apple users, from May 5, the app will no longer work on the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, as well as any iOS version 15.1 or earlier.
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So, if you have one of these older devices it might be time for an upgrade if you want to continue using WhatsApp.
It might also be worth checking what version of iOS your phone is currently running to make sure it’s up to date.
In order to check what operating system your iPhone uses, head to the Settings app, followed by General.
From there, click on Information and then iOS Version, where you will be able to see which iOS is running on your phone.
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If you have an Android device, you just need to go to Setting and click About Phone.
Then, you will be given the option to view Android Version which will tell you the operating system you have on that device.
The end date for using WhatsApp on older Android devices has already passed, with the app stopping its function on these phones on January 1, 2025.
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The Android phones affected by the change are as follows:
- 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
These changes will impact both the regular WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business.
This is because both apps have the same system requirements.
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So, if you find your own device mentioned on this list then it might well be time for a long overdue upgrade.