WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging application owned by Meta, has announced its decision to discontinue support for 35 smartphones by the end of this year. This move affects devices from various manufacturers, including Samsung, Apple, Huawei, and LG, among others. As a result, users of these smartphones will no longer receive updates or new features from WhatsApp, impacting their overall user experience.
Discontinuation of Support
According to a report by CanalTech, WhatsApp’s decision to end support for these 35 smartphones is based on revised minimum device requirements. This includes both Android and iPhone models, ranging from older Samsung Galaxy devices to earlier iPhone models like the iPhone 5 and iPhone 6 series. Users of affected devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini, iPhone 6, Huawei Ascend P6 S, and Sony Xperia Z1, will no longer benefit from WhatsApp updates, including crucial security patches and feature enhancements.
List of Affected Devices
Here is a list of some of the smartphones that will no longer receive WhatsApp support:
Samsung:
- Galaxy Ace Plus
- Galaxy Core
- Galaxy Express 2
- Galaxy Grand
- Galaxy Note 3
- Galaxy S3 Mini
- Galaxy S4 Active
- Galaxy S4 Mini
- Galaxy S4 Zoom
Apple:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE
Huawei:
- Ascend P6 S
- Ascend G525
- Huawei C199
- Huawei GX1s
- Huawei Y625
Sony:
- Xperia Z1
- Xperia E3
- Xperia M
LG:
- Optimus 4X HD
- Optimus G
- Optimus G Pro
- Optimus L7
Reasoning Behind the Decision
WhatsApp cites its commitment to maintaining a high standard of user experience and security as the primary reasons for discontinuing support for these older devices. With each update, WhatsApp aims to leverage advanced features and security protocols that may exceed the capabilities of older smartphones in terms of processing power and security features. This change ensures that WhatsApp users across newer devices can continue to enjoy a seamless and secure messaging experience.
What Users Should Do
If your smartphone is listed among those losing WhatsApp support, it is advisable to consider upgrading to a newer device that meets the current system requirements. This will ensure that you can continue using WhatsApp safely and access the latest updates and features offered by the platform.
WhatsApp’s decision underscores its ongoing efforts to enhance user security and streamline app development, thereby providing a robust messaging service for its global user base.
