Older Android models, including the Galaxy S3, will no longer be able to use WhatsApp services as of 1st January.
WhatsApp has announced that it will discontinue support for devices running on Android KitKat or older versions starting January 1, 2025. This decision is primarily due to the outdated nature of these operating systems, which lack compatibility with the app’s latest security updates, features, and performance enhancements.
The discontinuation affects a variety of devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S3, Motorola Moto G (1st Gen), HTC One X, and more. For these specific devices, users will no longer be able to use WhatsApp after the discontinuation date. Existing media and chat history on these devices may become inaccessible through WhatsApp as the app will stop functioning properly on those OS versions.
Owners of these devices have limited options: upgrading the device to a newer Android version if possible (which is unlikely for such old devices) or replacing the device to continue using WhatsApp. Continuing to use WhatsApp on these unsupported systems poses a security risk and degraded user experience.
This move by WhatsApp is in line with its approach on other platforms. For instance, iPhones running older versions than iOS 15.1 will also lose WhatsApp support, with the support ending in May 2025. Various other devices, such as Sony Xperia Z, Motorola Razr HD, LG Optimus G, and more, are also affected by this decision.
WhatsApp's decision to drop support for older devices is driven by the need to implement more advanced features and AI functionalities that require modern hardware. Time will reveal the new features and AI functionalities that WhatsApp plans to implement.
To avoid losing your media and chat history, it is essential to back up your WhatsApp data on a new device before the support ends. Users are advised to get a new device before January 1, 2025, to ensure they can continue using WhatsApp without interruption.
[1] WhatsApp Support: https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/android/26000030/
[3] WhatsApp Business: https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/business/23500063/
- Many smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, Motorola Moto G (1st Gen), HTC One X, and others, will no longer support WhatsApp from January 1, 2025, due to their outdated operating systems' incompatibility with the latest security updates, features, and performance enhancements in technology.
- With WhatsApp discontinuing support for devices running on Android KitKat or older versions, users might need to invest in newer gadgets, like smartphones, to ensure they can continue backing up their data and using WhatsApp without interruption.
