WhatsApp to drop support for older Android devices on January 1, 2025

Meta has decided to end support for WhatsApp on older Android phones. More specifically, devices that are over 10 years old are still running Android KitKat. Starting January 1, 2025, phones still running on this version of the operating system or earlier will no longer be able to access WhatsApp.

The reason for discontinuing support is due to the evolving features and functionality of WhatsApp. Meta is looking to implement more demanding functions, artificial intelligence functions, etc., which require more modern hardware. Here are most of the phones being axed:

• Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
• Motorola: Moto G (1st generation), Razr HD, Moto E 2014
• HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
• LG: Optimus Prime G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
• Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V

Maybe some of you are still using these devices as burner phones, but if you still use any of them as your daily driver, you should find a way to back up all your WhatsApp data on your new device. Otherwise, all your media and chat history on WhatsApp will disappear after January 1, 2025.

A few months ago, Meta announced a similar move for the iPhone, ending support for iPhones running iOS versions prior to 15.1. However, the company will retain support for these phones until May 2025.

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