WhatsApp stops working on older Android phones; understand the new rule

WhatsApp will stop working on older Android mobile phones starting this Tuesday (24). The following note was included in the “Help Center” of the platform: the app will only be compatible with Google system version 5.0 or above.

“Starting October 24, 2023, WhatsApp will only be compatible with Android 5.0 and above,” WhatsApp explains. There are no changes regarding iPhone (iOS) version support for now.

With the change, mobile phones with Android 4.1 that were previously supported by Messenger will no longer be able to run WhatsApp. Users will not be able to even open messenger without updating the operating system.

Why is support ending?

According to WhatsApp, the withdrawal of support for older versions is due to the low popularity of the system. “Like other technology companies, each year we analyze which devices and software have the oldest and fewest users to identify those that will no longer be compatible with WhatsApp,” the company said.

Removing support for older versions allows WhatsApp to free up its messaging development team, avoids having to maintain compatibility with such an old version, and paves the way for better features to be implemented as the company strives to deliver a uniform experience on every device. .

What happens to incompatible mobile phones?

Duplicate in-app notifications always come before support ends. The user is warned about possible incompatibility and given reminders requesting a system update.

The consequences of staying on the old version of the platform are not as clear, but as with previous changes, the messenger must stop working on the mentioned systems.