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

Meta has decided to end support for WhatsApp on old Android phones. More specifically, more than 10-year-old devices are still running on Android KitKat. Handsets still running on that version of the OS or older will no longer have access to WhatsApp starting January 1, 2025.

The reason for the discontinued support is WhatsApp’s evolving features and functionalities. Meta is looking to implement more demanding features, AI functionalities, etc., requiring more modern hardware. Here are most of the phones that are getting axed:

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

Perhaps some of you are still using those devices as burner phones, but in case you are still rocking either of them as a daily driver, you should find a way to backup all your WhatsApp data on a newer device. Otherwise, all your media and chat history from WhatsApp will be gone after January 1, 2025.

Meta announced something similar for iPhones a few months back, ending support for iPhones running on iOS older than version 15.1. However, the company will retain support for these handsets until May 2025.

Via