WhatsApp will continue working on smartphones that have older software from Jan. 2021.

WhatsApp has updated its support version of the operating system. Smartphones that are not compatible with the set version will not be able to use it.

WhatsApp has updated its support version of the operating system. Smartphones that are not compatible with the set version will not be able to use it.WhatsApp updated its FAQ page about the supported operating systems from Jan. 2021. It reported that the app would continue to work on Android running OS version 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and newer, iPhone running iOS version 9 and newer, and for selected phones running KaiOS 2.5.1 and newer, including JioPhone and JioPhone 2.

To avoid the stoppage, the users should opt for a new phone or update their operating system version in their old phones. If users had old version phones that are no longer compatible with WhatsApp, they are to back up their chats before Jan. 1, 2021, to retain them. As per the new development, WhatsApp cannot be downloaded on older versions, and chat history cannot be exported or retrieved.

According to the Independent, the phones in which WhatsApp will stop working are Apple iPhone 1-4, Samsung Galaxy S2, HTC Desire, LG, Optimus Black, Motorola Droid Razr, and any Android released before 2010. Phones that will require updating are Apple iPhone 4S, 5, 5S, 6, and 6S, Samsung Galaxy S3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy Note, HTC Sensation, HTC Thunderbolt, LG Lucid, Motorola Droid 4, and Sony Xperia Pro and newer.

According to Times of India, on Dec. 2019, the WhatsApp FAQ page had announced the stoppage of some features of WhatsApp in older versions of operating systems phones by Feb. 2020. It included iOS 8 or previous and Android 2.3.7 or before the operating system. It also includes the windows mobile operating system.

WhatsApp has been updating its supportable operating system. Hence, phone owners can check their software version on their device by checking the settings section.