Time to Upgrade: WhatsApp Will Stop Working on These Old Phones in 2025, Full List Inside

WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging giant, is set to make significant changes that will impact users of older Android and iPhone devices. Starting from January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will cease to support devices running on the Android KitKat operating system or earlier versions, a move that underscores the app’s ongoing efforts to enhance security and incorporate advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.

The End of an Era for Older Android Devices

The decision to drop support for older smartphones is not without precedent but signals a critical push towards adopting newer, more secure technologies. Users of approximately 20 Android smartphone models will be affected, including popular older devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, LG Optimus G, and the first-generation Moto G, among others. The full list of devices includes:

LG Models: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90Samsung Models: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 MiniHTC Models: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601Sony Models: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia VMotorola Models: First-generation Moto G, Razr HD, Moto E 2014

For those still using these models, it's advisable to consider upgrading to a newer smartphone and to back up their chat data before the stipulated date to avoid any loss of information.

A Similar Fate Awaits Older iPhone Users

In a parallel move, WhatsApp plans to withdraw support for iPhones running on iOS versions older than 15.1 starting May 5, 2025. This update will affect users of older iPhones including the iPhone 5, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. Currently, WhatsApp supports devices with iOS 12 and above, but with the upcoming changes, users will need to have at least iOS 15.1 to continue using the app.

This strategic shift is part of WhatsApp's broader objective to improve app security and facilitate the smooth operation of AI-driven features that older devices cannot support. As smartphone technology advances at a rapid pace, these updates are essential for enhancing user experience and ensuring compatibility with new features and security protocols.

What Should Affected Users Do?

If you're using one of the affected models, upgrading to a newer device is not just necessary for continuing to use WhatsApp, but also beneficial for accessing the latest in smartphone technology and security. Ensure to back up your WhatsApp data before making the switch so that no data is lost in transition.

In the realm of digital communication, staying updated is not merely a convenience—it is a necessity. As we edge closer to these cutoff dates, users of older smartphones need to assess their options and prepare for an upgrade, ensuring uninterrupted access to one of the world's most essential messaging platforms.