Starting November 1, several devices will no longer be compatible with WhatsApp due to the updates that the platform constantly introduces to improve its operation.
These renewals imply that the app requires greater technical requirements, which affects phones with older operating systems, both Android and iOS.
As for phones with the Android operating system, those with version 4.4 (KitKat) or earlier will no longer be able to support the new WhatsApp updates. This means that users still using these devices will not be able to access or use the world’s most popular messaging application.
For iPhones, any device running iOS 11 or earlier will also no longer be supported.
For affected users, there are some alternatives. The first, and easiest, would be to update the operating system to a newer version, as long as the device allows it. However, this option is not always available, especially on very old devices whose hardware does not support new software versions. Therefore, the most effective solution in these cases is usually to purchase a new phone that meets WhatsApp’s minimum requirements.
The main reason why these updates generate incompatibility with certain models is that the new functions and features that the app incorporates demand more capacity both in terms of processing and storage. Older devices, limited in terms of their hardware and software, cannot sustain the weight of these updates, which makes it impossible to continue using the app.
Some of the new features that WhatsApp has incorporated in its recent updates include the ability to delete unread messages, expand the use of artificial intelligence on the platform, improve chat security, and expand options to personalize the user experience.
All these improvements mean that WhatsApp needs more space and processing capacity to function optimally, which cannot be guaranteed on devices with older operating systems.
On the other hand, the company recommends that users always keep their devices updated. This recommendation is not only valid to ensure the proper functioning of WhatsApp, but also to improve the overall experience with the phone.
