META’s popular messaging and calling platform, WhatsApp, declared to stop supporting over 20 older ‘Android smartphones,’ starting 1st of January.
The update is said to affect users with devices running Android KitKat or earlier versions. This initiative reflects the application’s ongoing evolution and increasing requirements to run smoothly.
According to an in article published by The Indian Express, the HDblog’s report explained that these changes will make it impossible for users of certain older smartphones to access WhatsApp. Notably, some of the affected devices come from manufacturers like HTC and LG, who ceased making smartphones years ago.
As these older models are phased out, many users will lose access to not just WhatsApp, but possibly other Meta apps, such as Facebook and Instagram, soon.
“Do note that all devices set to lose access to WhatsApp are almost at least 10 years old. Hence, even if you have an Android smartphone that is five or six years old, WhatsApp will continue functioning as expected,” the report states.
The decision to end support for these devices is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to introduce new features and improve security. The app requires more advanced hardware and software to support innovations such as encryption updates, multi-device support, and video calling, which are not compatible with older phones.
Users with tolder smartphones were recommended to back up all WhatsApp chats to a Google account ahead of the cut-off date to ensure that messages and media can be easily restored to a new device.
As the new year approaches, users of the affected devices will need to consider upgrading to a compatible smartphone to continue using WhatsApp and other Meta services. This change serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of technology and the need to stay up to date with device upgrades.
‘Flavian,’ 22 years
In an Interview with Techweez, the fourth-year, Computer Science student is now facing the reality of needing an upgrade to stay connected.
“The upcoming change caught me off guard,” he said, “as a Computer science student, I thought I would be more prepared for this, but now I’m scrambling to figure out how to stay connected,” he added
According to her, many users, especially those in regions where upgrading to a newer phone may not be feasible, this could lead to being locked out of one of the most widely used communication platforms in the world.
“I use WhatsApp every day to stay in touch with classmates and professors, and it’s essential for group work,” he said, “the thought of losing access to it, especially at this point in my studies, is stressful,” he added.
Determined to avoid being affected, the student has started researching affordable smartphones that meet the latest requirements.
“I’m looking for something within my budget but still capable of running the latest apps. I’m also making sure to back up all my important chats to Google Drive so I can easily restore them on the new device,” he explained.
For this student, the need to upgrade has become a necessity in order to keep up with both academic and personal communications.
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