WhatsApp Ends Support for Older Phones with Extra Feautures

Ali Hassan December 23, 2024 Entertainment, Mobiles, News

Starting January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer function on older Android phones running Android KitKat or earlier versions. This announcement means users of outdated devices will need to upgrade to continue using the app. If WhatsApp is a daily essential, this change will directly affect how you stay connected with friends and family.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, explained that the decision is due to the inability of older devices to handle the app’s advanced features. As WhatsApp continues to incorporate new functionalities—such as AI-powered tools—modern hardware is necessary for a smooth and secure user experience.

Popular Phone Models Losing Support

Some widely used phones that will be affected include:

1. Samsung
1. Samsung Galaxy S2 (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
2. Samsung Galaxy S3 (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
3. Samsung Galaxy Note (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
4. Samsung Galaxy Note II (2012, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean)
5. Samsung Galaxy Nexus (2011, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
6. Samsung Galaxy Ace (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
7. Samsung Galaxy Pocket (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
8. Samsung Galaxy Beam (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
9. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
10. Samsung Galaxy Y (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
2. HTC
1. HTC One X (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
2. HTC One S (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
3. HTC One V (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
4. HTC Desire HD (2010, Android 2.2 Froyo)
5. HTC Desire C (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
6. HTC Sensation (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
7. HTC Evo 3D (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
8. HTC Wildfire S (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
9. HTC Incredible S (2011, Android 2.2 Froyo)
10. HTC Flyer (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
3. Sony (Sony Ericsson)
1. Sony Xperia Z (2013, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean)
2. Sony Xperia T (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
3. Sony Xperia S (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
4. Sony Xperia P (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
5. Sony Xperia U (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
6. Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
7. Sony Xperia Ion (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
8. Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
9. Sony Xperia Mini Pro (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
10. Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
4. LG
1. LG Optimus G (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
2. LG Nexus 4 (2012, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean)
3. LG Optimus 2X (2011, Android 2.2 Froyo)
4. LG Optimus L9 (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
5. LG Optimus Black (2011, Android 2.2 Froyo)
6. LG Prada 3.0 (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
7. LG Optimus 3D (2011, Android 2.2 Froyo)
8. LG Optimus V (2011, Android 2.2 Froyo)
9. LG Optimus One (2010, Android 2.2 Froyo)
10. LG Spectrum (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
5. Motorola
1. Motorola Droid RAZR (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
2. Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
3. Motorola Droid X (2010, Android 2.1 Éclair)
4. Motorola Atrix 4G (2011, Android 2.2 Froyo)
5. Motorola Defy (2010, Android 2.1 Éclair)
6. Motorola Droid Bionic (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
7. Motorola Milestone (2009, Android 2.0 Éclair)
8. Motorola Photon 4G (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
9. Motorola Droid 3 (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
10. Motorola XOOM (2011, Android 3.0 Honeycomb)
6. Google (Nexus Line)
1. Google Nexus One (2010, Android 2.1 Éclair)
2. Google Nexus S (2010, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
3. Google Galaxy Nexus (2011, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
4. Google Nexus 7 (2012) (2012, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean)
5. Google Nexus Q (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
6. Google Nexus 4 (2012, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean)
7. Google Nexus S 4G (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
8. Google Nexus 10 (2012, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean)
9. Google Nexus One Developer Edition (2010, Android 2.1 Éclair)
10. Google Nexus 7 (2013) (2013, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean)
7. Huawei
1. Huawei Ascend P1 (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
2. Huawei Honor (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
3. Huawei Ascend G300 (2012, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
4. Huawei MediaPad (2011, Android 3.2 Honeycomb)
5. Huawei U8150 Ideos (2010, Android 2.2 Froyo)
6. Huawei Ascend Y201 Pro (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
7. Huawei Ascend D Quad (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
8. Huawei Ascend Mate (2013, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean)
9. Huawei Vision (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
10. Huawei Ascend P2 (2013, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean)
8. ZTE
1. ZTE Blade (2010, Android 2.1 Éclair)
2. ZTE Grand X (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
3. ZTE Warp (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
4. ZTE Skate (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
5. ZTE Open (2013, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean)
6. ZTE Crescent (2011, Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
7. ZTE Grand Era (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)
8. ZTE Light Tab (2011, Android 2.2 Froyo)
9. ZTE Racer (2010, Android 2.1 Éclair)
10. ZTE Mimosa X (2012, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)

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If you’re using one of these models, it’s crucial to backup your WhatsApp data before upgrading. Without this step, your valuable chat history and media files may be lost forever.

iPhone Users Get Extra Time

iPhone users will face a similar situation next year. WhatsApp will stop working on iPhones running iOS versions earlier than 15.1 starting in May 2025. While this offers a slightly longer deadline compared to Android users, the urgency remains the same: upgrade or lose access.

For many in Pakistan, where older phones are still common, this decision could significantly impact daily communication. It’s a reminder that as apps and technologies evolve, staying updated is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

Why Meta Is Ending Support for Older Devices

Meta has clarified that the decision aligns with their focus on innovation. Older devices lack the processing power and memory to support WhatsApp’s evolving features. As technologies like artificial intelligence become integral to apps, the hardware requirements increase.

This trend reflects the fast pace of technological advancement, pushing users toward more frequent device upgrades. While this may seem inconvenient, it ensures better app performance and security.

What Should You Do?

If you own an older device from the list or an outdated iPhone, here’s what you should do:

Back up your data: Use cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud to save your chats and media.
Consider upgrading: Evaluate your budget and choose a device compatible with the latest software.
Stay informed: Keep track of announcements from Meta to ensure you don’t miss deadlines.

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By planning early, you can avoid the frustration of losing access to essential communication tools.

A Growing Trend

This isn’t the first time Meta has made such a move. A few months ago, support ended for iPhones with iOS versions older than 15.1. These updates emphasize a growing reality: technology is evolving faster than ever. To keep up, users will need to prioritize updates and adapt to newer devices.

For users in Pakistan, this serves as a timely reminder to evaluate your devices and plan for the future. Ensuring your phone meets modern requirements is not just about accessing WhatsApp but staying connected in an increasingly digital world.

Ali Hassan

Ali Hassan, a trusted expert with 5 years of experience, delivers reliable insights across diverse topics like news, jobs, education and trends on biseworld.com, ensuring authentic information with excellence.