Bad news for WhatsApp users with these phones

WhatsApp users with Apple iPhones running iOS 15.1 or older and smartphones running Android Version 4.4 — KitKat — or earlier must upgrade their devices or eventually lose access to the messaging app.

Meta Platforms recently announced the end of support for Android devices running the dated operating system, which is still used in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S4 Mini. The change took effect on 1 January 2025.

The affected Android devices include:

• Samsung — Galaxy Ace 3 (in addition to the three Samsung devices above)
• Motorola — Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, and Moto E 2014
• HTC — One X, One X+, Desire 500, and Desire 601
• LG — Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, and L90
• Sony — Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, and Xperia V

In early December 2024, the company announced the end of support for iOS 15.1, effectively rendering smartphones like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus unable to use WhatsApp.

However, WhatsApp will support these iOS devices until 5 May 2025. Before then, it is recommended that these users back up their WhatsApp chats to a Google account.

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp maintained compatibility with these older operating systems to offer the latest features and improvements to as many users as possible.

However, it wants to stay in line with the latest technology trends, including implementing more demanding features and AI functionality, which requires more modern hardware.

The company has also likely paid close attention to the number of users still running these older versions of iOS and Android.

In this regard, WhatsApp has several new features rolling out or set to roll out to users in the near future, including AI for WhatsApp Business, Meta AI, augmented reality, and document scanning.

It recently rolled out an update to iOS users, adding a new camera feature that enables augmented reality, backgrounds, and filters.

iPhone users with the latest version of WhatsApp can access the new camera features by tapping the wand icon within the camera interface. Users can add animated effects, facial expression alterations, and customisable colour tones.

Another recent feature being beta tested on iOS is WhatsApp’s integration of AI for business accounts, which aims to enable AI-powered responses to customer queries, provide product recommendations, and share other product details.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature should prove particularly useful for WhatsApp businesses outside operating hours. It will also allow businesses to take over conversations at any time manually.

Another beta WhatsApp version for iOS has revealed that the platform is working on a new shortcut for accessing Meta AI, a feature it introduced in April 2024.

It said the feature will improve accessibility on larger devices and aims to encourage user engagement with WhatsApp’s AI features.

WhatsApp Web users can expect a reverse image search feature that the platform is developing. This feature will help users determine whether an image is edited or taken out of context.

Reverse image searching will provide results from online sources, which will provide additional context and promote informed decision-making.

Another notable feature that WhatsApp is already rolling out to iOS users is the ability to scan documents directly through the app using the document-sharing option in the media-sharing menu.