WhatsApp to stop working on older Android devices from 2025. Here’s what we know
WhatsApp ends support for older Android and iPhone devices starting in 2025, urging users to upgrade for new features, including NYE effects and festive sticker packs.
WhatsApp to stop working on older Android devices from 2025. Here’s what we know
WhatsApp has announced that it will stop supporting older Android devices starting in 2025. On January 1, current WhatsApp support on Android KitKat and lower versions will cease. This means that users of older Android models will have to upgrade their phones in order to use the personal messaging application.
WhatsApp terminates support for older Android devices since the hardware of these devices cannot support the upcoming features of the app. It makes sense in light of WhatsApp's addition of capabilities linking to Meta AI at the early part of the year and subsequently doubled up its commitment by introducing several other related features.
Just for the uninitiated people: Android KitKat was released back in 2013 and by early this year even Google was putting an end to support for the operating system.
Under the new policy, WhatsApp app will no longer support several quintessential Android handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, the Motorola Moto G, the HTC One X, and the Sony Xperia Z.
Of course, there is WhatsApp's announcement of dropping support for iPhones with OS preceding iOS 15.1. This might be the end of the road for iPhone 5s as well as the iPhone 6 or even the iPhone 6 Plus. There is still time, though, as it has been fixed on May 5, 2025, for all iPhone users to migrate to another device.
Just recently, Meta declared the introduction of various limited-time features for WhatsApp in anticipation of the vacation season. NYE Calling Effects is of course the most striking of these features, allowing users to enhance their video calls with New Year's themed backgrounds, filters, and effects. This add-on is primarily meant to lend a celebratory feel to real-time virtual gatherings.
In addition, WhatsApp has rolled out a sticker pack to ring in the New Year, showcasing curated designs and avatar stickers to enable users to share some season's satisfaction or heartfelt earnestness with creative thought. The pack contains bright and themed choices for the occasion.
