Since Today, Older Smartphones Can No Longer Use WhatsApp

WhatsApp illustration (antonbe / pixabay)

JAKARTA - Starting today, the WhatsApp instant messaging service will no longer work on a number of old or old series smartphones. This is done because a number of Android and iPhone operating systems (OS) no longer support WhatsApp updates.

Launching Metronews.uk, an android smartphone with OS version 2.3.7 or Gingerbread, which was launched in December 2010, can no longer operate WhatsApp. Likewise with Apple devices with iOS 8 and below.

"This is a difficult decision to make for us, but right to provide people with a better way to stay in touch with friends, family and loved ones using WhatsApp," WhatsApp wrote in a blog post, Saturday, February 1.

Indeed, the termination of service support for smartphone owners with legacy operating systems has been done long ago. The goal is for WhatsApp users to switch to more capable or modern mobile devices, so they can maximize the features and services of this instant messaging application.

The company headquartered in Menlo Park, California, USA also advises users to update the operating system of their mobile devices. Because some of the features of WhatsApp will no longer work on older OS.

"We recommend that you update (the phone's operating system) to a newer version," WhatsApp wrote on its support page.

Got a new phone and changed your number? Follow this easy tutorial to seamlessly change your number on WhatsApp. pic.twitter.com/3KArGY6jnI

- WhatsApp Inc. (@WhatsApp) December 2, 2019

Previously, WhatsApp had also stopped its application support for the Nokia S40 series of phones, on December 31, 2019. Not only Nokia S40, some Windows Phone phones also could no longer use the WhatsApp application.

Even though it has stopped supporting its application for old smartphones. WhatsApp can still work on the Android OS version 4.0.3 or Ice Cream Sandwich and up. Likewise with a number of fifth generation iPhone phones that are already using iOS 9 and above.