WhatsApp has decided to stop supporting smartphones running on the outdated Android version known as KitKat (Android 4.4), following Google’s move to phase out these older devices. WaBetaInfo reports that
This change means that users with Android KitKat phones will no longer receive updates. To run WhatsApp, they will need to either update their operating system or upgrade to a newer smartphone to continue using WhatsApp. A recent data finding reveals that a small number of users are still running on Android KitKat.
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WaBetaInfo on X posted that WhatsApp now only supports Android OS 5.0 and newer versions adding that there are no changes regarding supported iOS versions.
Android KitKat was introduced in September 2013, and has been supported by WhatsApp for almost a decade. However, for users with Android 4.4, WhatsApp now mandates updating their app to at least Android 5.0. If their device manufacturer offers a software update to a newer Android version, they can proceed with that. But, if there’s no such update available, then the only option remains is to switch to a newer smartphone.
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With this change, users on Android 4.4 will no longer receive WhatsApp updates. This means they’ll miss out on new features and improvements, such as passkey support, a redesigned interface, and upcoming features like multi-account functionality and more.
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