This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
As of November 1, 2021, WhatsApp will block millions of phones worldwide, impacting both iPhone and Android users.
This change affects devices running outdated operating systems, including Android phones with OS 4.0.4 and older, and iPhones with iOS 10 or older.
According to WhatsApp's FAQ page, the app will no longer function on devices that cannot be updated to the required operating system.
For iPhone users, this means that devices such as the iPhone 4S, iPhone SE, and iPhone 6S will be affected.
Similarly, Android users with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite, Galaxy Trend II, Galaxy SII, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy Xcover2, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Ace 2, Sony Xperia Miro, Sony Xperia Neo L, and Xperia Arc 5 will also be impacted.
Other affected brands include LG, Alcatel, ZTE, HTC, Lenovo, and Huawei.
Users have two options: either purchase a new device or update their operating system to the required version.
WhatsApp recommends saving chat histories to prevent loss after the app can no longer function.
After November 1, the app will gradually stop updating and eventually become useless.
