Several cellphones won't be able to access WhatsApp from tomorrow.
Technology is forever evolving and, if I'm honest, it's pretty darn hard to keep up with.
I mean, if you'd have told me 10 years ago that Apple would release its Vision Pro headset that allows people to interact with digital content and apps in their physical space, I'd have laughed you out of the room.
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With the fast developing world of technology speeding up as each year passes, it's no surprise that some people have given up trying to keep up with the latest releases.
However, if you're hanging on to a particularly old cellphone and you're a frequent WhatsApp user, then it might be time for you to bite the bullet and invest in a new model.
Why, I hear you ask? Because several older devices won't be able to access WhatsApp services from tomorrow (January 1) onwards.
The app is making changes to its compatibility with operating systems - Android KitKat OS in particular.
Those who still have KitKat - which was released over 10 years ago - on their phones won't be able to use WhatsApp in 2025.
However, if you still use KitKat and are able to update your device to a more recent OS, then you might just be safe, Metro Online says.
Some of the Android devices that will be affected by the change include:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
- Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E 2014
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
And it's not just Android devices that will be affected; later in 2025, older iPhones will be too.
From May 5, iPhones still using iOS 15.1 or earlier versions will no longer be able to access WhatsApp.
Some devices that will still use this iOS include the iPhone 5s; iPhone 6; and iPhone 6 Plus.
In light of the news regarding Androids and KitKat, some people have taken to social media to share their surprise that WhatsApp was still compatible with the server after all these years.
"Holy sh*t they were still supporting KitKat," someone said on Reddit.
Others joked that if your device still uses KitKat, then it was probably time for an upgrade anyway.
A Redditor quipped: "If you're running android that old, you might as well just use public Twitter posts to communicate because that phone is about as insecure as it can get."
Niamh Shackleton