WhatsApp to Discconnect: Millions of Russian Users Face Loss of Messenger Service in May
Title: WhatsApp to Drop Old Smartphone Models: Here's What You Need to Know
Chillax, Take Action
Meta, the big wig behind the famed messaging app WhatsApp (known as an extremist organization in Russia), has thrown a spanner in the works for millions of Russian users as it'll cease supporting several older smartphone models beginning May 17, 2025. New security requirements and fresh features, which old operating system versions can't jive with, are the primary reasons for this change. So, it's time to get a move on if you don't want to lose access to your chats and contacts forever.
Breakdown
This move impacts Android users the most: from March 29, 2025, WhatsApp will refuse to work on devices with Android 4.4 KitKat and older. That means popular but not extremely new models like Samsung Galaxy S3, Note 2, Ace 3, S4 Mini, Motorola Moto G and E first generations, HTC One X and One X+, Desire 500 and 601, some LG, Nexus, and old Sony Xperia devices are getting kicked to the curb.
iPhone users can't sit back and relax either: starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will kiss goodbye to iPhone 6 and 6 Plus patients since these devices can't install iOS versions 15.1 and above, which are now vital for the app to run smoothly.
Meta assures that axing support is a necessary evil. In their eyes, old devices can't keep up with modern features and updates, and they're all about providing users with top-notch data protection and quality service.
Take Care
First, check if you can update your smartphone's software. If an update isn't on the cards, it's time to consider investing in a new device. Before you bid farewell, create a backup of your chats via Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) to keep those cherished conversations from vanishing into thin air. For those who've been booted out of WhatsApp, minty fresh messaging apps like Telegram, VK Messenger, Viber, or SberZhen can help you stay connected with loved ones (source).
*Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of WhatsApp, has been labeled as an extremist organization and is banned in Russia.
Insights
- The exact date for cutting off support for Android devices older than Android 4.4 KitKat is January 1, 2025, regardless of the mentioned March 29, 2025, date.
- iOS 15.1 is the minimum requirement for iPhone devices to support WhatsApp, so iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are effectively getting the axe due to their inability to upgrade past iOS 12.5.7.
Upgrade your Android device if it runs on Android 4.4 KitKat or older, as WhatsApp will stop functioning on these devices starting January 1, 2025. For iPhone users, WhatsApp will no longer work on devices running iOS 12.5.7 or earlier, including iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, starting May 5, 2025.
To ensure you don't lose your chat history, backup your conversations on Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iPhone) before switching to a new device.
