If you work with old Symbian OS based Nokia smartphones, you will not be able to work with WhatsApp messaging app from December 31, 2016. Moreover, WhatsApp has decided to drop support for older versions of Android, Windows Phone, and iOS by the year end.
If you make use of a smartphone with Symbian OS, you will be able to view a popup message which displays “Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use WhatsApp after 31/12/2016 because WhatsApp will no longer support your phone.”
WhatsApp, in a blog post, revealed that by the end of 2016, the WhatsApp Messenger will not provide support for a wide range of mobile platforms such as BlackBerry (including BlackBerry 10), Nokia S40, Nokia Symbian S60, Android 2.1 and Android 2.2, Windows Phone 7.1 and iPhone 3GS/iOS 6.
According to official sources, the above mentioned out-dated operating systems will not offer any kind of capabilities that are essential for the expansion of WhatsApp upcoming features. Moreover, these platforms are removed because of lack of security features which are needed for the implementation of end-to-end encryption.
In February 2016, WhatsApp announced that the company is ending support for Symbian alongside BlackBerry. The mobile based messaging app also suggested users to upgrade to the latest Android, iPhone or Windows Phone platforms by the end of 2016 to enable them to work with WhatsApp from January 1.
In the meantime, WhatsApp sources confirmed to us that they are announcing the plan well in advance to enable users to prepare early. This will give enough time for users to migrate top new smartphone.
If WhatsApp decides to continue to provide support for older mobile platforms, it will pose serious risks in future since old smartphones will not be able to tolerate the latest security threats. However, users will be able to make use of the app with third-party tools but such methods are generally not recommended.
If you are currently suing WhatsApp in any one of the above-mentioned mobile devices, we would suggest that you should migrate to a newer Android, iPhone or Windows Phone by December 2016. A simple budget Android smartphone will serve the purpose.
[…] block was obviously not received well by the residents. WhatsApp is being used extensively within the city for making free calls because telecom operators have exorbitant call rates in […]
We are not happy because of this act because many people are poor to such an extend that they will not be able to use WhatsApp.If possible please introduce the version that are supported but dont disconect others