WhatsApp to stop working on millions of phones from Jan 1 (see list of phones)

WhatsApp, a US-run messaging service, says its app will stop working on millions of phones as from January 1, 2021 due to an update aimed at phasing out older devices.

According to the Independent UK, older Android and iPhone devices will no longer support the latest version of the app.

The update is said to be focused around the operating systems iOS9 for iPhones and Android 4.0.3 respectively.

With the new initiative, iPhone devices not running iOS9 as well as any phone that does not run at least Android 4.0.3, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, will no longer be able to open or operate the app.

The development means owners of affected mobile devices will have to update their mobile operating system or buy a new smartphone.

Some Android phones that would be affected by the new initiative include the Samsung Galaxy S2, HTC Desire and LG Optimus Black.

Android users can ascertain the software obtainable on their devices by checking their setting sections. On the other hand, iPhone users can determine this by clicking on settings, general and then software update.

Below are phones set to lose WhatsApp support on 1 January 2021:

Apple iPhone 1-4

Samsung Galaxy S2

HTC Desire

LG Optimus Black

Motorola Droid Razr

Any Android released before 2010

Below are phones that will need to update to at least iOS 9 or Android OS 4.0.3: of

Apple iPhone 4S

iPhone 5

iPhone 5S

iPhone 6

iPhone 6S

Samsung Galaxy S3 and newer

Samsung Galaxy Note

HTC Sensation

HTC Thunderbolt

LG Lucid

Motorola Droid 4

Sony Xperia Pro and newer

The development comes as WhatsApp also announced that it would be updating its terms of service as from next year which would demand users agreeing to its privacy rules to keep using the app.