WhatsApp will not operate on outdated smartphones, Here is why

Millions of Android and iPhone devices with an outdated operating system (Andriod or IOS) will no longer be able to run WhatsApp, the app owned by Facebook, BBC reported on Saturday. WhatsApp as saying the move is important to protect the security of its users. 

Smartphones with Andriod version 2.3.7 and older, and iPhone IOS 8 and older, would be affected by the update, said the report. Most users would be able to update their operating systems in order to continue using the services of WhatsApp.

“WhatsApp clearly had no option but to ensure its services remain secure; however it faces the difficult side-effect that the app is no longer compatible with older smartphones,” said CSS (tech research company) insight analyst Ben Wood.

A spokesperson for the messaging platform said: “This was a tough decision for us to make, but the right one in order to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones using WhatsApp.”

This is the latest in a series of moves after the app withdrew support for numerous devices in 2016, and then from all Windows phones on the last day of last year.