WhatsApp has unveiled plans to discontinue its services on certain iPhone and Android smartphones starting October 24, 2023. This decision, affecting users worldwide, marks a significant move by the Meta-owned messaging giant. Specifically, WhatsApp will no longer support smartphones running Android versions below 5.0 and iPhones running iOS 11 or earlier.
WhatsApp’s statement clarified that it will only provide support for Android devices running version 5.0 and above after the aforementioned date. Additionally, the messaging platform will continue to extend its support to iPhones equipped with iOS 12 and later, as well as KaiOS 2.5.0 and higher.
In preparation for this change, WhatsApp will notify users directly within the app before discontinuing support for their operating systems. The notification process will include multiple reminders to encourage users to update their devices. WhatsApp has also committed to keeping users informed by regularly updating a dedicated webpage with the list of supported operating systems.
Furthermore, in a related development, Mark Zuckerberg has introduced a monthly paid verification service for Facebook and Instagram, priced at N7,000, following Elon Musk’s decision regarding his Twitter account, known as “X.”
