The updated WhatsApp app is now compatible with iPhones on iOS 10 or later. And that means that the app no longer will not be updated on all iPhone models on iOS 9, so users with iPhone 4s will not be able to access the instant messaging app in a few months.
WhatsApp is one of the most used instant messaging apps around the world. The app received global public backlash after announcing its new privacy policies which granted Facebook access to users’ data. However, after the strong reaction, made the company not only pushed the update to a later date but also started a campaign to explain the scope of the update and end-to-end encryption protection of users’ content on the app.
WhatsApp drops support for devices on iOS 9 or older
Starting with version 2.21.50 of WhatsApp, the app will require iOS 10 or later to run which was released in 2016. According to the numbers released by Apple, approximately 2% of iPhones are on iOS 12 or older, 17% iPhones on iOS 13, and 81% of iOS devices are running iOS 14. According to the support article published on WhatsApp’s website, the requirement to install the app is:
- Android running OS 4.0.3 and newer
- iPhone running iOS 10 and newer
- Select phones running KaiOS 2.5.1 newer, including JioPhone and JioPhone 2
According to WABetaInfo‘s tweet, WhatsApp is also working towards bringing a new experience for users’ Archive. When a user receives a message from an archived chat, the chat will not be unarchived anymore. This feature will roll out in future updates for Android and iOS.
WhatsApp Messenger for iOS 2.21.50 is available now on the App Store.
• It drops the iOS 9 support.
• The new archive is not available yet. https://t.co/cFKMpctZRH— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 15, 2021
iOS 10 was released back in 2016, so it is safe to assume that any Apple device released before iPhone 5 will not support WhatsApp. For users who have an iPhone 5 or a later model, should not be worried by the latest update. Additionally, there is no option to transfer your chat history between platforms, however, the company is providing the option to export chat history as an email attachment.
For users who are still using WhatsApp on unsupported devices, it is highly recommended that they save and export their chats and media content and upgrade to a new compatible device because the app will stop working in a few weeks or a month or so.
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