WhatsApp will no longer work on some smartphones in 2021. Next year, the instant messaging app will no longer be compatible with iPhones that are running a version earlier than iOS 9 and smartphones stuck on Android 4.0.2 (or a version former). We take stock of the models concerned.
Every year, WhatsApp is forced to leave smartphones on the side. In 2019, the messaging app dropped support for a billion smartphones, including many Nokia phones and older Android devices. More recently, WhatsApp has dropped some older versions of iOS and Android.
As January 2021 quickly approaches, WhatsApp reminds on its official website that some iPhone and some Android smartphones may not work properly with the application. If WhatsApp is already installed on your phone, you will be able to continue using it as before. However, some features may not work properly over time.
WhatsApp will no longer work with certain versions of iOS and Android
WhatsApp recommends using an iPhone that has at least iOS 9, a version of the mobile OS launched in 2015. Fortunately, most iPhones in circulation run on a newer version of iOS. Apple offers software support of around 5 years to its devices. Additionally, new iOS updates are installed quickly by most users. Within 5 weeks, iOS 14, the latest iOS update, had been installed by 46.36% of compatible devices in circulation.
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However, WhatsApp may no longer work properly on some older iPhones without iOS 9, like the iPhone 4 (and earlier models). If you are still using an iPhone 5, 5S, or 6, we advise you to quickly install the latest update offered by going to the settings of your device.
On the Android side, WhatsApp leaves aside smartphones that still run on a version older than Android 4.0.3 Gingerbread. According to the latest news, less than 0.3% of Android smartphones in circulation in the world are affected. If this is your case, we will advise you to invest in a new Android smartphone, especially as devices deprived of updates present risks in terms of computer security.
