WhatsApp will stop working in 2021 – here’s what you need to know about the Android and iOS alert



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In recent months, there have been reports from a wide range of posts claiming that WhatsApp will stop supporting millions of devices in early 2021. It has been claimed that when January 1 rolls around, WhatsApp will only support running devices, on the at less: iOS 9 or Android 4.0.3. Devices that would be affected by the change include Apple’s iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, which cannot be upgraded to iOS 9.

However, there is one important thing that fans of WhatsApp on iOS and Android should know about this warning that has circulated recently.

It seems that there has been a small error in the matrix, as WhatsApp implemented this support change earlier this year.

As previously reported by the BBC, The Independent, and Android Police, WhatsApp discontinued support for iOS 8 and Android 2.3.7 in early 2020.

Since February 1, 2020, WhatsApp has only been able to run on devices with at least iOS 9 and Android 4.0.3.

READ MORE: WhatsApp users will be blocked from the chat app unless they agree to new rules

Express.co.uk previously reported in October last year that the WhatsApp support page had been updated to warn users of these changes.

The WhatsApp for iOS support page used to say: “WhatsApp for iPhone requires iOS 9 or later.

“In iOS 8, you can no longer create new accounts or re-verify existing accounts. If WhatsApp is currently active on your iOS 8 device, you will be able to use it until February 1, 2020.

“For the best experience, we recommend that you use the latest version of iOS available for your phone.”

So even though WhatsApp requires iOS 9 or Android 4.0.3 at a minimum, this change is not on the horizon, it has already happened.

Speaking of these changes beforehand, WhatsApp said that support for various devices was being dropped to help expand the app’s feature set in the future.

In a previous statement, WhatsApp said: “While these mobile devices have been an important part of our history, they do not offer the kind of capabilities that we need to expand the functions of our application in the future.

“This was a difficult decision for us to make, but the right one to give people better ways to stay in touch with friends, family and loved ones through WhatsApp.”

In other WhatsApp news, Express.co.uk recently reported that WhatsApp users will have to agree to new terms and conditions that will go into effect next February.

If WhatsApp users do not agree with these new Ts & Cs, they will not be able to use the leading chat app on the market.

The WhatsApp notification read: “By tapping Accept, you agree to the new terms, which will take effect on February 8, 2021.

“After this date, you must accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp or you can always delete your account.”

It’s unclear what exactly the changes mean for users with WhatsApp who previously told Express.co.uk that they currently don’t have a statement to offer.

However, WhatsApp confirmed that all users must agree to the new terms before February 8, 2021 if they wish to continue using the chat application.

A spokesperson also told Express.co.uk: “We will update our terms of service and privacy policy as we work to make WhatsApp a great way to get answers or help from a business.”



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