WhatsApp Ends Support for Older Phones
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jun 02, 2025 · Last updated Jun 04, 2025
The decision by Meta Platforms — WhatsApp to cease support for older smartphones could lead to a slight negative impact on Meta Platforms' user engagement metrics if a significant number of users are unable or unwilling to upgrade their devices. Conversely, this could indirectly benefit smartphone manufacturers like Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics by encouraging users to purchase newer models to maintain access to the popular messaging app.
Meta Platforms — WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has ceased functioning on certain older smartphones from June 1, 2024. This change affects devices more than 10 years old, including IPhone models released in 2014 or earlier that cannot upgrade to iOS 15.1, and Android phones requiring OS 5.0 or newer. Specific affected Android models include Samsung Galaxy, HTC One X, and Sony. The decision is attributed to security concerns and the lack of necessary functionality on legacy phones. Meta Platforms — WhatsApp had previously sent notifications urging users to update their operating systems. Concurrently, Meta Platforms — WhatsApp announced 12 new features, such as online indicators in group chats, highlight notifications, event updates, document scanning on IPhone, and improved video call quality, aiming to enhance user experience on compatible devices.
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