WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), will stop supporting older versions of iOS and Android starting in late 2022. Specifically, WhatsApp will no longer work on iPhones running iOS 10 or older, as well as Android phones running version 4.1 or older. This means users with older phones will no longer be able to access WhatsApp if they have not updated to a supported operating system version.
What are the requirements for WhatsApp?
As of November 1, 2022, WhatsApp will require the following minimum versions to continue working:
– Android 4.1 and newer
– iOS 10 and newer
– KaiOS 2.5.0 and newer
These operating system versions were released in 2012 (Android 4.1 Jelly Bean) and 2016 (iOS 10). So any iPhones capable of upgrading to iOS 10 or later will still be able to use WhatsApp. Same for any Android phones that can upgrade to Android 4.1 or newer. But Android and iOS devices stuck on older OS versions will lose access to the app.
Why is WhatsApp dropping support for older OS versions?
WhatsApp states on its FAQ page that they routinely stop supporting older operating systems in order to focus resources on supporting the latest OS features and security updates. Dropping support for Android 4.0.4 and earlier as well as iOS 9 and earlier allows them to take advantage of new capabilities in newer operating systems.
There are likely a few reasons behind this move:
– Focus developer resources on supporting features in newer OS versions
– Ensure all WhatsApp users have latest security updates
– Stop spending resources to maintain compatibility with very old OS versions
– Encourage users to upgrade and get new phones capable of running latest OS versions
By limiting support to somewhat recent OS releases like Android 4.1 and iOS 10, WhatsApp can optimize the app experience for the vast majority of users while “cleaning house” among the oldest phones/OS versions.
Which iPhones will lose WhatsApp access?
Here are the iPhone models that will no longer be able to use WhatsApp starting November 1, 2022 if they cannot upgrade to iOS 10 or later:
– iPhone 4
– iPhone 4S
– iPhone 5
– iPhone 5S
– iPhone 5C
– iPhone 6
– iPhone 6 Plus
The iPhone 5 and 5C models can upgrade to iOS 10. But the iPhone 4, 4S, 5S, 6, and 6 Plus cannot upgrade beyond iOS 9. So those models will not be able to use WhatsApp.
Can you upgrade an old iPhone to the latest OS?
Unfortunately, Apple does not allow older iPhones to upgrade beyond a certain OS limit:
– iPhone 4S: max iOS 9
– iPhone 5: max iOS 10
– iPhone 5C: max iOS 10
– iPhone 5S: max iOS 12
– iPhone 6/6Plus: max iOS 12
So if you have an iPhone 5 or later, you should still be able to use WhatsApp by upgrading to the latest supported OS version. But iPhone 4, 4S, 5S, 6, and 6 Plus models cannot upgrade to iOS 10 or later, meaning WhatsApp will no longer work on those devices.
Which Android phones will lose WhatsApp access?
It’s harder to provide a definitive list of Android phones that will lose WhatsApp support, since there are countless different models produced over the years, each with different OS upgrade capabilities.
But in general, Android phones released in 2012 or earlier will likely lose WhatsApp functionality, as they are mostly incapable of upgrading beyond Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Some key examples:
– Samsung Galaxy S3 (max Android 4.3)
– LG Optimus G (max Android 4.1)
– Motorola Droid Razr (max Android 4.1)
– HTC One X (max Android 4.2)
Newer Android phones from 2013/2014 and beyond should still be able to upgrade to 4.1 or later in order to keep using WhatsApp:
– Samsung Galaxy S4
– Samsung Galaxy Note 3
– Nexus 5
– LG G2
– Moto X
– HTC One M8
But again, it depends on the specific Android device and OS upgrade availability. The main thing is your Android version needs to be 4.1 or newer as of November 2022.
Can you upgrade an old Android to the latest OS?
The upgrade capability depends on:
1. Your phone manufacturer and model. Some manufacturers and flagship models tend to have longer OS support (e.g. at least 2-3 years of upgrades). Cheaper models tend to get dropped more quickly.
2. Your carrier. Carriers play a role in pushing out major Android updates. Some carriers take longer than others.
So it’s impossible to make definitive claims about Android upgradeability, given how fragmented the ecosystem is. But as a rule of thumb: most flagship Androids from the last 3-4 years should be updateable to 4.1. Really old Android devices (2012 and earlier) are mostly stuck on old Android 4.0 or below OS versions.
How many people will lose WhatsApp access?
It’s challenging to estimate the exact number of devices that will no longer have WhatsApp access. However, we can make some rough estimations:
– There are likely tens of millions of very old iPhones (4, 4S, 5S, 6, 6 Plus) still in use that cannot upgrade to iOS 10.
– There are likely hundreds of millions of very old Android devices still active that cannot upgrade past Android 4.0.
– Especially in developing nations, people often use phones for many years and are unable to regularly upgrade to new devices.
So while the exact number is unknown, it’s reasonable to estimate that hundreds of millions of users worldwide may lose access to WhatsApp if they do not upgrade their phones before November 1, 2022. Users in developing nations with lower incomes will likely make up a large proportion of the affected users.
Which countries will be most impacted?
Countries that may be most impacted by older phones losing WhatsApp access include:
– India – large population, many budget Android phones
– Brazil – significant iPhone, Android usage
– Mexico – popular destination for selling used/refurb iPhones
– Nigeria – high percentage of overall population uses WhatsApp
– Pakistan – frequent use of older budget phones
– Bangladesh – similar dynamics as India
Essentially, developing countries where people hold onto phones for longer without upgrading and also tend to use more budget devices are likely to see the most disruption from this WhatsApp change.
Will there be exceptions to the OS requirements?
WhatsApp has not stated any exceptions to the minimum OS requirements. Once the November 1, 2022 deadline hits, even if your phone is fully functional otherwise, without upgrading to iOS 10 or Android 4.1, WhatsApp will stop working and block access.
The only possibility is that WhatsApp could delay or extend the deadline. But there have been no indications that they plan to do so. And they likely want to move on from supporting extremely old OS versions that have security vulnerabilities. This deadline has been known for over a year as well.
So in summary – all users should plan to upgrade OS versions or get new phones by November 1, 2022 if they want to continue using WhatsApp. There will be no exceptions made beyond that deadline.
What if you cannot afford a new phone?
For lower income individuals who are unable or unwilling to buy a new or used smartphone just to keep WhatsApp access, there are a few options:
– Use WhatsApp on a desktop computer browser in web-only mode. No phone required, just an internet connection.
– Use alternative messaging apps popular in your country that may still support older OS versions.
– Access WhatsApp through someone else’s phone when needed.
– Switch to SMS/text messaging when possible.
– Use public WiFi locations to access WhatsApp web on a shared computer when necessary.
But ultimately if you rely on WhatsApp daily from your personal mobile device, not being able to afford a phone that supports iOS 10 or Android 4.1 will cut you off from messaging on the app. It highlights the inequality between developing nations and populations with lower incomes compared to more affluent users who can regularly upgrade devices.
Should you upgrade your phone or OS now?
If your phone is capable of upgrading to iOS 10 or Android 4.1/4.5, you should absolutely upgrade before November 1, 2022 to avoid losing WhatsApp access. No reason not to if the upgrade is available.
Here are some things to consider regarding upgrading your device:
– What’s your current phone model and OS version? Check if an upgrade is actually possible.
– How much use do you get out of WhatsApp? If you rarely use it, upgrading may not be necessary.
– Can you afford a new phone or used upgraded model? If not, look at alternative options.
– Do you use your phone for other important apps and functions besides WhatsApp? If so, upgrading may be worthwhile beyond just WhatsApp.
– How tech savvy are you? Can you handle learning a new OS? If not, stick with your current phone.
Evaluate your personal usage, budget, and willingness/ability to learn new technology. For many, upgrading to keep WhatsApp will be a no-brainer. Others may decide it’s not worth the money or effort for how little they use the app. But make the decision consciously based on your own circumstances.
Key takeaways
Here are some key points to summarize WhatsApp’s OS update requirements and which phones will lose access:
– WhatsApp will only work on iOS 10 and newer or Android 4.1 and newer starting November 1, 2022
– iPhone models earlier than the iPhone 7 will lose access except for iPhone 5/5C which can upgrade to iOS 10
– Android phones from 2012 or earlier will likely lose access, except for some flagship models that can upgrade
– Hundreds of millions of users globally may lose WhatsApp functionality
– Developing countries with more budget phones will be impacted most
– If possible, upgrade your OS or get a newer used phone before November 2022
– Consider alternative messaging options if you cannot upgrade your device
Losing WhatsApp access will be frustrating for many long-time users. But the app has clearly signaled this OS update deadline for over a year. Take action based on your personal needs and means. And reach out to friends/family who may be less tech savvy to warn them of this upcoming change if they use older phones.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s decision to end support for iPhones with iOS 9 or older and Android phones with OS 4.0 or older will undoubtedly impact millions of users around the world. While frustrating and disappointing for many, this policy makes sense from WhatsApp’s perspective to streamline app development and maintenance efforts.
For individuals reliant on WhatsApp for messaging who cannot afford a smartphone upgrade, hopefully the workaround options provided here can help maintain connections. And ideally in the future, all mobile users regardless of income will be able to access the latest apps and operating systems. But for now, if WhatsApp is a vital part of your daily communication, check your OS version and upgrade if possible. The countdown to November 1, 2022 has begun.