WhatsApp a few days ago said that it would block a number of Android phones and iPhones from the list of phones that received security updates from them.
This will cause these phones to lose access to the latest features of Whatsapp. In addition, these phones will also not get protection because they have lost security updates from Whatsapp.
Blocking Reason
On the official page, Whatsapp reveals that their application will only be compatible on mobile devices with a minimum operating system of Android 4.0.4 or on iPhones with iOS 9. So smartphones belonging to the generation below will not get security updates anymore.
Whatsapp always provides updates on the service features in their app. These updates often require smartphones to meet several criteria, including the operating system.
So, phones that are too old are no longer compatible with the new features provided by Whatsapp.
Whatsapp has finally decided to stop support on devices that are no longer compatible with app updates.
Because, Whatsapp will choose to make efforts to make its application more compatible with newer devices. So, the instant messaging application can be used more optimally.
Therefore, if your device uses an Android version newer than Android 4.0.4 then your phone can still be used to access WhatsApp. But if the phone is old enough, then it means you need to replace your phone, so that you can use WhatsApp services.
This also happens to iPhones from Apple manufacturers running an operating system earlier than iOS 9. Users must replace their devices so that hackers cannot infiltrate the system through security holes that may be formed from the loss of security support.
Whatsapp Effect That No Longer Gives Updates
Even though Whatsapp has not provided updates to a number of these devices, it does not mean that this instant messaging service will stop immediately and cannot be used at all. However, there are 2 possible effects.
1. Can’t Get The Latest Features
If Whatsapp on the user’s phone no longer provides security updates, then the user may no longer be able to get the latest features launched by Whatsapp.
Whatsapp on these devices is also likely to become incompatible with the various new features sent by the message sender.
2. Unable to Security Update
The bigger problem with these older devices is that they no longer have security support. Thus, users become more vulnerable to potential digital attacks from hackers or malware.
Hackers can enter through security holes that are no longer protected by Whatsapp due to the termination of support. So, Whatsapp recommends users of these phones immediately switch to a newer phone model.
Here’s A List Of 44 Android Phones And iPhones that Will Be Blocked By Whatsapp
Android phones that cannot receive Whatsapp updates are Androids that are still using an operating system lower than Android 4.0.3. The following is a list of these phones, as quoted by MYSA.
Samsung :
1. Galaxy Trend Lite,
2. Galaxy Trend II,
3. Galaxy SII, Galaxy S3 mini,
4. Galaxy Xcover 2,
5. Galaxy Core dan
6. Galaxy Ace 2.
LG :
1. Lucid 2,
2. Optimus F7,
3. Optimus F5,
4. Optimus L3 II Dual,
5. Optimus F5,
6. Optimus L5,
7. Optimus L5 II,
8. Optimus L5 Dual,
9. Optimus L3 II,
10. Optimus L7,
11. Optimus L7 II Dual,
12. Optimus L7 II,
13. Optimus F6,
14. Enact ,
15. Optimus L4 II Dual,
16. Optimus F3,
17. Optimus L4 II,
18. Optimus L2 II,
19. Optimus Nitro HD
20. 4X HD, dan
21. Optimus F3Q.
ZTE :
1. Grand S Flex,
2. ZTE V956,
3. Grand X Quad V987, dan
4. Grand Memo.
Huawei :
1. Ascend G740,
2. Ascend Mate,
3. Ascend D Quad XL,
4. Ascend D1 Quad XL,
5. Ascend P1 S, dan
6. Ascend D2.
iPhone :
Apple’s phones that are no longer supported are iPhones with the iOS 9 operating system and below, Entrepreneur wrote.
1. Apple iPhone SE
2. Apple iPhone 6S
3. Apple iPhone 6S Plus
You can check your iPhone version in the following way.
1. Select Settings
2. Select General
3. Select About