WhatsApp will stop functioning on 49 smartphone models from today, vacating millions without the app.
Users with older iPhones and Androids handsets will require an upgrade after December 31 to use the app going into the New Year. 49 models will be concerned – including several Huawei, LG, and Samsung phones.
The app has reportedly been programmed to alert those impacted before the instant messaging service quits working.
WhatsApp stated: “Devices and software shift often, so we regularly check what operating systems we sustain and make updates.
These devices also might not have the most delinquent security updates or lack the functionality required to handle WhatsApp.”
“To decide what to stop supporting, every year we, like other technology businesses, look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the rarest number of people still using them.
To update your operating system on an iPhone, go to the ‘general’ settings and choose ‘software update.
WhatsApp to Stop Working on these Smartphone Models
Here’s a complete list of makes and models affected.
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5C
- Archos 53 Platinum
- Grand S Flex ZTE
- Grand X Quad V987 ZTE
- HTC Desire 500
- Huawei Ascend D, D1, D2, G740, P1 & Mate
- Lenovo A820
- LG Enact & Lucid 2
- LG Optimus 4X HD, F3, F3Q, F5, F6, F7, L2 II , L3 II, L3 II Dual, L4 II, L4 Dual, L5, L5 II, L5 II Dual, L7, L7 II, L7 II Dual & Nitro HD
- Memo ZTE V956
- Quad XL
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 2, Core, S2, S3 Mini, Trend II, Trend Lite & Xcover 2
- Sony Xperia Arc S, miro & Neo L
- Wiko Cink Five
- Wiko Darknight ZT
Last month WhatsApp announced that it would eventually begin rolling out 3D avatars for its two billion users across the globe.
This move comes months after the stickers debuted on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.
