Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has just made an important announcement regarding the discontinuation of support for this popular messaging app on older Android devices. Starting from January 1, 2025, Android phones that are more than 10 years old, still running on Android KitKat or an older version, will not be able to access WhatsApp.
Meta's decision is understood to be aimed at facilitating the development and deployment of new features, including those that use artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies. These features require more advanced hardware that older devices cannot handle.
Here is a list of some of the phones that will be removed from WhatsApp support list:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
- Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E 2014
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
Previously, Meta also decided to stop supporting WhatsApp on iPhone devices running iOS older than version 15.1. However, the deadline for iPhone devices is until May 2025.
The move reflects Meta’s focus on modern technology. However, it poses a number of challenges for users who are not ready to upgrade their devices. Switching to new devices will be necessary to continue using WhatsApp’s convenient features in the future.
For users who still use one of the above devices as their primary or backup phone, they should back up all their WhatsApp data to a newer device. Otherwise, their media files and chat history will be lost forever after January 1, 2025.
