WhatsApp recently announced that the application will completely stop functioning on outdated devices from 1st November onwards. This update from WhatsApp will pose a major threat to users with older phones. Such an initiative is taken considering the introduction of new features and the need to further enhance the security aspects of the messaging platform.
Over the years, WhatsApp has remained one of the leading messaging platforms the world has ever witnessed. This new announcement might have come as a shock to users with outdated versions of hardware. The decision has been made as a result of the review process followed by the company every year. Such a review process is undergone to scrape out the areas of troubleshooting issues and to further find accurate solutions to tackle those problems. The review is also done to find out the outdated operating systems and which of the systems have minimal users.
According to the developers of WhatsApp, older devices that no longer receive any security updates will find it difficult to support the new software updates of the application. As put forth by the company, Whatsapp will continue to function only on Android devices running Android 5.0 or higher software. Android users with 4.4 software or other older versions will not be able to access the app anymore. In the case of iOS users, the app will supposedly function on iOS 12 or higher software.
Various queries and concerns have been raised from the users regarding this new update from WhatsApp. This might be considered a strategic movement initiated to further embrace the evolving mobile technology by logically compelling users to change their devices periodically. Earlier this year in June, WhatsApp made the official announcement that it will stop operating in over 35 smartphone brands like Apple, Huawei, Lenovo, LG, and Samsung by the end of this year. As reported by CanalTech, WhatsApp has set new requirements for the users. These requirements will only be supported by the updated software versions.
As per the attest reports, WhatsApp will discontinue functioning on the HTC One X, Samsung Galaxy Ace 3, Song Xperia Z, and many more devices with outdated software. As of now, there are no alternate options available for users with older devices. They can either find an alternate messaging platform or upgrade to a device supporting the new hardware options. Considering the concerns of many users, tech scholars suggest that it is a far better option to go for a new device rather than using an alternative application for messaging purposes. This way their contacts and all the other data stored on WhatsApp will not be lost.
Even though the new announcements might pose a major challenge to many users around the globe, the leading messaging app ensures the fact that such an initiative is taken to support the evolving smartphone technologies and further reduce any security risks from outdated hardware. The decision is said to prove beneficial to the users as they will be able to experience many new features of the app if they switch to a new device. WhatsApp has always remained at the forefront with its billions of users around the globe. Over the years, the platform has received high ratings in the technological markets and has become a leader in providing the best messaging experience to users. The platform has managed to come up with many exciting innovative features to further enhance and improve the user experience. By upgrading to a new device with dated software, the users can not only continue their journey on WhatsApp but can get access to some innovative features that might have never been available on older devices.
Also Read: Google Is Extending The Availability Of Ai-driven Pixel Weather App To Older Pixel Models
