It’s the beginning of 2019, but it’s also the end of WhatsApp for some devices. More specifically, WhatsApp is going to stop updating for devices that run on Nokia’s S40 platform.
From 1 January onwards, owners with Nokia devices such as Nokia 206, Nokia 301, Nokia Asha 230 and so on will no longer be able to make new WhatsApp accounts and the app could stop functioning for them at any time. This is because the company will no longer actively develop for the platform.
This isn’t the first time WhatsApp has stopped supporting platforms, as it did the same to Nokia Symbian S60, BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10 back in 2017. WhatsApp will also discontinue its support for devices with Android 2.3.7 and older or iPhones with iOS 7 and older, starting after February 1, 2020.
It’s not that WhatsApp is discriminating older software or devices, but according to them, the devices “don’t offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app’s features in the future”.
The company also recommend their users to upgrade to a newer device if their current devices are affected, though it’s easier said than done for those who are struggling with their financial statuses.
With over 1.5 billion global users, WhatsApp is one of most used apps in the world. But perhaps those affected can opt for other messaging apps if they’re unwilling to switch to a newer device as it’ll save them from spending money on a new phone.
