The last few months have been quite busy for WhatsApp, which has launched updates after updates. However, these updates come with a cost and it’s because the platform is no longer able of supporting all smartphone models. The messaging app has shared a list of Android and IOS devices that will no longer work starting from November 1.
The mobile devices on the list will no longer receive updates and will be incompatible with WhatsApp. This is done to focus its efforts on giving optimal service to the latest generation of smartphones.
The devices that will be affected generally are those running with an operating system equal to or lower than Android 4.0.3. Or for iPhones, it will be the devices that are running on iOS 9 and earlier. That is today, practically obsolete equipment since they cannot support the updates.
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There is the complete list of smartphones that will lose WhatsApp:
Android
Samsung: Galaxy Trend Lite, Galaxy Trend II, Galaxy SII, Galaxy S3 mini, Galaxy Xcover 2, Galaxy Core and Galaxy Ace 2.
LG: Lucid 2, Optimus F7, Optimus F5, Optimus L3 II Dual, Optimus F5, Optimus L5, Optimus L5 II, Optimus L5 Dual, Optimus L3 II, Optimus L7, Optimus L7 II Dual, Optimus L7 II, Optimus F6, Enact , Optimus L4 II Dual, Optimus F3, Optimus L4 II, Optimus L2 II, Optimus Nitro HD and 4X HD, and Optimus F3Q.
ZTE: Grand S Flex, ZTE V956, Grand X Quad V987 and Grand Memo.
Huawei: Ascend G740, Ascend Mate, Ascend D Quad XL, Ascend D1 Quad XL, Ascend P1 S, and Ascend D2.
Sony: Xperia Miro, Sony Xperia Neo L, Xperia Arc S.
Alcatel: One Touch Evo 7
Others: Archos 53 Platinum, HTC Desire 500, Caterpillar Cat B15, Wiko Cink Five, Wiko Darknight, Lenovo A820, UMi X2, Faea F1 and THL W8.
IOS:
Apple iPhone SE, Apple iPhone 6S andApple iPhone 6S Plus
Although WhatsApp will no longer work on the listed devices, that doesn’t mean that the app will stop working immediately.
What if I have one of these smartphones?
WhatsApp suggests changing to a more recent device to continue using the messaging app and to avoid your account closing.
The good news is that closed accounts can be re-enabled with the same phone number, as soon as the user downloads WhatsApp and enters from a more current device that does meet the new requirements.
What do I do to keep my WhatsApp account?
If you fear that the app will stop working on your mobile device, you should back up and save your chat history before November 1.
Open WhatsApp and enter the menu of the 3 dots in the upper right corner.
Go to ‘Settings’ and then select ‘Chats’, and Click on ‘Chat Backup’ and then click on ‘Backup’.
This will allow you to keep all your chats and conversations, but you will not be able to use your account until you switch to a device with Android 4.1 or IOS 10 and higher.
