WhatsApp is reportedly planning to drop support for some older versions of iOS, meaning the app will stop working on certain iPhones in the coming months. WhatsApp is one of the leading instant messaging services globally and is popular on Android and iOS. However, while it is almost the default messaging option for millions of Android users worldwide, its popularity on iOS is surpassed by that of iMessage. Still, millions of iPhone users worldwide use WhatsApp, and the end of support for some older devices might be bad news for some of them.

Like all modern apps, WhatsApp also drops support for older operating systems from time to time, so its latest decision to end support for ancient versions of iOS is mainly along expected lines. Last year, WhatsApp dropped support for Android smartphones running on systems older than Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It means the app no longer supports devices still on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and older. That likely didn't affect too many people, as the vast majority of Android users have long moved on from those ancient operating systems.

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According to the always-reliable tipster WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will drop support for iOS 10 and iOS 11 from Oct. 2022. However, the withdrawal of support will only affect two devices — the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c. According to the latest post by WABetaInfo, iPhone users running iOS 10 and iOS 11 are seeing a message that reads: "Update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp. WhatsApp will stop supporting this version of iOS after 24 Oct 2022." The message further advises them to update their device to iOS 12 or later to keep using the app beyond October.

Update Your iPhone To Keep Using WhatsApp

WhatsApp screenshot
Screenshot Courtesy: WABetaInfo

Both the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c are ancient devices, released in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The vast majority of iPhone users have likely already moved on and bought something newer, so it's unlikely that the withdrawal of support will affect too many users. However, people still using these older devices will need to upgrade to a newer phone to keep using the app.

People who are using a newer iPhone but are still stuck on iOS 10 or 11 will need to update to iOS 12 or newer to ensure that they don't lose support from WhatsApp. To do that, go over to iPhone Settings, choose 'General' and then tap on 'Software Update' to get the latest version of iOS available for that device. For now, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s running iOS 12 will still be supported by the company, but that could change next year since WhatsApp might drop support for these devices.

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Source: WABetaInfo