In a significant update that could impact millions of users worldwide, WhatsApp is set to discontinue support for several older smartphones starting September 8, 2026. The move is part of a broader effort by parent company Meta Platforms to enhance security, improve performance, and roll out more advanced features that older devices can no longer support.
What exactly is changing?
From the announced deadline, WhatsApp will stop functioning on Android smartphones running versions older than Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
This effectively means devices still operating on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and Android 5.1 will lose access to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business.
Users on such devices will no longer be able to:
- Send or receive messages
- Make voice or video calls
- Access chats or media within the app
Why is WhatsApp ending support?
The decision is not unusual. Tech platforms routinely phase out support for older operating systems, and WhatsApp is no exception.
According to reports, the change is driven by three core reasons:
- Security limitations: Older Android versions lack modern encryption and protection standards
- Performance constraints: Legacy devices struggle to handle newer app features
- Compatibility issues: Upcoming updates require newer APIs and hardware capabilities
As WhatsApp continues to introduce features like enhanced multi-device support and UI improvements, older systems are increasingly unable to keep up.
Which smartphones are affected?
WhatsApp has not issued a single official “device list,” but the impact depends on the Android version, not just the phone model.
Any smartphone running:
- Android 5.0
- Android 5.1
or earlier
will lose support after September 8.
However, based on typical device compatibility, commonly cited affected models include older devices such as:
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- Sony Xperia Z
- LG G2
- Google Nexus 4
These devices were launched over a decade ago and no longer receive official software updates.
Are iPhone users affected?
As of now, Apple users are largely unaffected by this specific update.
WhatsApp will continue to support:
- iPhones running iOS 15.1 or newer
However, similar phase-outs have happened in the past, and older iPhones may face discontinuation in future updates.
What should users do now?
If your device falls under the affected category, experts recommend taking action well before the deadline:
1. Check your Android version
Go to: Settings → About Phone → Software Information
2. Update your OS (if possible)
Some devices may support upgrades to Android 6.0 or later
3. Back up your chats
This is crucial to avoid data loss
- Open WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup
4. Consider upgrading your phone
If your device cannot be updated, switching to a newer smartphone will be necessary
How many users will be impacted?
While the headline may sound alarming, the actual number of affected users is expected to be relatively small.
Reports suggest that only a tiny percentage of global Android users still rely on such outdated versions, though that still translates to millions worldwide.
A recurring pattern in tech
This is not the first time WhatsApp has dropped support for legacy platforms. Over the years, the app has phased out compatibility with:
- BlackBerry OS
- Windows Phone
- Older iOS and Android versions
Such moves reflect the industry’s broader shift toward prioritising security, efficiency, and modern user experiences over backward compatibility.
The bottom line
The upcoming September 8 deadline serves as a reminder that software evolution inevitably leaves older hardware behind.
For users still holding onto ageing smartphones, the message is clear:
upgrade, back up, or risk losing access to one of the world’s most widely used communication platforms.
Input & Images : Hindusthan Samachar
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Last Updated on: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 7:11 pm by Monisha Angara | Published by: Monisha Angara on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 7:11 pm | News Categories: Tech
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