WhatsApp is gearing up to phase out support for several older Android devices starting January 1, 2025. This change will affect smartphones running Android 4.4 KitKat or older, marking the end of compatibility for many devices released more than a decade ago. As the app continues to evolve, the company has found it increasingly difficult to support outdated operating systems, which cannot handle the new features and updates introduced in the app. Devices that are no longer compatible will still have WhatsApp installed, but users won’t be able to connect to the service for messaging or calls​

A range of smartphones from major brands, including Samsung, Motorola, LG, HTC, and Sony, will be affected. Some of the notable models include the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S4 Mini, as well as Motorola’s Moto G (1st Gen), Moto E (2014), and Razr HD. HTC and Sony devices such as the HTC One X, Desire 500, Xperia Z, and Xperia T will also lose support​. These models, which were originally launched between 2012 and 2014, are now considered too outdated to meet the growing demands of WhatsApp’s evolving software​​

This decision comes as WhatsApp continues to enhance its features, such as integrating Meta AI for image creation, content design, and enhanced messaging options. The app’s growth depends on being able to keep up with the latest operating systems and devices. Continuing support for older systems like Android 4.4 KitKat would require significant compromises on WhatsApp’s development, limiting its ability to innovate​

For iPhone users, WhatsApp will stop supporting devices running iOS 12 or earlier starting May 5, 2025. This includes older models such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus​

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WhatsApp will notify users of the changes in advance, giving them time to upgrade to a newer device. For continued access to WhatsApp’s features, users will need to switch to phones running at least Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or iOS 12​