WhatsApp has announced that it will soon stop supporting smartphones running Android versions older than 6.0.
This means that users with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and 5.1 devices will no longer be able to utilise the app once the deadline passes.
Reports indicate that announcement was made after WhatsApp sent notifications to users on these older Android versions, informing them about the upcoming end of service.
Therefore, WhatsApp has moved to drop support for older Android versions in an effort to improve the performance and security of the app.
WhatsApp is set to stop working in older android devices
According to reports, the notifications signal the company’s plans to modernise the messenger by phasing out older systems, which it says hinder the development of new features and security improvements.
New features and functions require certain system capabilities that are not available on older operating systems such as Android 5.0 and 5.1.
Further reports indicate that older version lack security updates, increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks and compromises user privacy.
WhatsApp clarified that users with older devices will still be able to use the app until the cutoff date.
Despite that, they will not be able to access new updates or features unless they upgrade their devices or prevent the app from updating.
Furthermore, those with older phones will be able to use old versions of Whatsapp only if they have disabled updates.
