WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps in the world today. Given that it is free and can be used as long as there is an internet connection, it’s not surprising that is a very popular choice. However, come 2020, it seems that millions of WhatsApp users could potentially lose access to the app.
According to support documents for both iOS and Android, WhatsApp notes that come 1st of February, 2020, users who are running devices with older versions of iOS or Android will no longer be able to use the app. For iOS devices, this will include devices that are running iOS 8 or older, while for Android, it will affect those running on Android 2.3.7 or older.
On the Android front, this probably shouldn’t affect too many users given how old Android 2.3.7 is, especially with the latest version being Android 10, making it about eight generations behind. However, as for iOS devices, this could have the potential to affect a lot more users as iOS 8 isn’t quite as old as Android 2.3.7.
WhatsApp had called it a “tough” decision but if you’re using a device that can’t be updated past iOS 8 or Android 2.3.7, then perhaps it could be time to consider making an upgrade anyway.