The popular instant messaging app known as WhatsApp is no longer supported on certain older smartphone devices as of December 31, 2022. There are a total of 49 models that will not support that app anymore, including 2 iPhones, plus multiple Samsung, LG, and Huawei models.
What is WhatsApp?
For those of you who don’t know, WhatsApp is an instant messaging app that is used to send messages, pictures, videos, and audio files. It’s been super popular over the years because of its features like group chatting, voice messages, and location sharing, and it is commonly used among those who wish to message friends who live in other countries.
It works like any other messaging app that you might find on a smartphone (i.e. the iMessage app for iPhones). However, the key difference is that WhatsApp uses the internet to send these messages and does not cost money. This means that you will need an internet connection to use WhatsApp. The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play Store, and again, it is free to use.
However, if you use WhatsApp to make international calls, you may be charged based on your mobile plan or internet service provider. Additionally, if you use WhatsApp to send messages while abroad, you may be charged for data usage, depending on your mobile plan.
Why is WhatsApp ending support for these smartphones?
The experts at WhatsApp, just like many other apps, regularly update the app with new features so that users can have a better and more enhanced experience. These updates are also meant to support newer models of iPhone, Android, and other devices that come out so often. As technology moves so quickly, it’s out with the old and in with the new, and every company has to keep up with each other. Therefore, when WhatsApp makes new updates for newer operating systems, they also get rid of support for the older and outdated devices as they no longer serve the needs of the company or the consumer.
What models will no longer support WhatsApp?
The following smartphone models will no longer support WhatsApp:
- Archos 53 Platinum
- Grand S Flex ZTE
- Grand X Quad V987 ZTE
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- HTC Desire 500
- Huawei Ascend D
- Huawei Ascend D1
- Huawei Ascend D2
- Huawei Ascend G740
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- Huawei Ascend P1
- Quad XL
- Lenovo A820
- LG Enact
- LG Lucid 2
- LG Optimus 4X HD
- LG Optimus F3
- LG Optimus F3Q
- LG Optimus F5
- LG Optimus F6
- LG Optimus F7
- LG Optimus L2 II
- LG Optimus L3 II
- LG Optimus L3 II Dual
- LG Optimus L4 II
- LG Optimus L4 II Dual
- LG Optimus L5
- LG Optimus L5 Dual
- LG Optimus L5 II
- LG Optimus L7
- LG Optimus L7 I
- LG Optimus L7 II Dual
- LG Optimus Nitro HD
- Memo ZTE V956
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
- Samsung Galaxy Core
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Samsung Galaxy S3 mini
- Samsung Galaxy Trend II
- Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2
- Sony Xperia Arc S
- Sony Xperia miro
- Sony Xperia Neo L
- Wiko Cink Five
- Wiko Darknight ZT
Which smartphones still support WhatsApp?
WhatsApp will still support all Android phones running on OS version 4.1 or newer, as well as iPhones running on iOS12 or above. It will also support smartphones running on KaiOS2.5, including the JioPhone and JioPhone 2.
How do I update my smartphone so that I can keep WhatsApp?
To make sure your iPhone has the latest update:
- Go to Settings
- Select General
- Click Software Update
- If you have an update available, press Install Now
To make sure your Android has the latest update:
- Open your phone’s Settings app
- Near the bottom, tap System
- Click System Update, and you’ll see your update status. Follow any steps on the screen
How do you feel about this big change in WhatsApp? Let us know your thoughts.
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