Over new and secure technologies, WhatsApp has finally axed support for a number of Android and iOS devices. This update at one fell swoop made it impossible to use the most populared messenger on a vast amount of smartphones and millions of users were left without a choice but to look for an alternative.
Which Devices are Impacted?
The list of devices that can no longer run WhatsApp includes:The list of devices that can no longer run WhatsApp includes:
Mobile devices based on the Android platform before the version of Android 4. 0. One more prerequisite is that all used gadgets should have Android 4 (“Ice Cream Sandwich”) or higher.
Devices using Apple iOS 9 or a previous version are classified as iOS devices.
In this regard, currently widely-used gadgets, such as iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, and numerous other gadgets of Samsung, LG, and HTC, as well as others, will face the inability to use WhatsApp anymore.
Why the Change?
WhatsApp cites several reasons for this decision:WhatsApp cites several reasons for this decision:
- Security: In this case, newer operating systems will contain new improved operating system security features. Thus, by focusing on these, WhatsApp wants to safeguard its users from such weaknesses and risks.
- Performance: This implies that, as much as the newer operating systems may be optimized for supporting WhatsApp and all its features and functionalities, older operating systems come with a limited support for the application hence; this in one way or the other affects the overall user experience or satisfaction.
- Development Resources: As it is seen supporting older operating systems also takes a lot of efforts. In this way, WhatsApp frees resources to enhance the application for the great mass of platform users by investing in the development of new functions.
What Strategies are Available to the Affected Users?
Users with affected devices have a few options:Users with affected devices have a few options:
- Upgrade: One could try to either resolve the problem by buying a new smartphone that runs on a different version of the OS and supports the new version of WhatsApp or use the existing phone and upgrade to …A large variety of choices that are reasonably priced is easily accessible in the market.
- Alternative Messaging Apps: Today several other similar applications are available that can be used in the place of WhatsApp such as Telegram, Signal, and Viber and many others.
- WhatsApp Web: If users have a computer, they can just continue to use WhatsApp Web because Web version of the Application does not rely on the phone operating system.
Backlash and Criticism
The decision has not been very well received, and there have been several reactions towards the decision through criticism. Numerous complaints and dissatisfaction can be observed from the public most especially those who cannot or do not wish to change their gadgets. Some have also pointed diversified this as discrimination to the people who cannot even afford the relatively expensive smartphones.
Is This the Trend?
What WhatsApp has done is not new in the world of business. It is common in the tech industry for firms to drop support for many older software and hardware products to shift their development to the new ones as well as improve the quality of their services. While this is frequently done benevolently, it hampers some of these users and can elicit doubts concerning the digital divide and diversity.
Looking Ahead
This is expected to be the case since technology advances at a very high speed and thus communication devices older models are bound to become obsolete. This case should act as a wakeup call to user to prepare for such changes and think about change of devices from time to time. From the technological corporation’s perspective it underlines the necessity to pursue the development of products together with a focus on the accessibility of these services by as many users as possible.
Implication For The Future Of WhatsApp
That is why, despite the fact that this change will be a very important one for a part of users, we cannot speak about it as about a critical factor that threatens WhatsApp’s popularity. It remains the world’s most used app for messaging with several billion active users. This may be in an effort to concentrate on relatively newer and potentially more viable technologies so as to maintain the firm’s competitive edge in the diverse landscape of instant messaging applications.
Available Information and Material
WhatsApp Official Blog: In order to get additional information regarding the farewell message of WhatsApp to older devices the interested party can check on the blog of the company’s official website.
- Alternative Messaging Apps: Check out the some other messaging apps such as the Telegram, the Signal, Viber, etc.
- Affordable Smartphone Options: Discusssing the best, cheap Android smartphones that can successfully run the latest WhatsApp version.
Conclusion
By stopping support to older gadgets, the company has paved way to a new horizon of communication through its once favorite, WhatsApp. Even if it is slightly inconvenient for some it is a good illustration of how technology changes rapidly and that consumers as well as organizations have to catch up.
We advise all the affected users to consider all their opportunities and choose the optimal solution for their communication. Whatever the reason one has to find a new device, a different application, or attempt to access WhatsApp Web there are ways to reach friends, relatives, and co-workers once again.
- Please note: It is expressly important to note that this article is meant to educate. The information given and used here is as up to date as possible but could be subject to change. Since this is our analysis of current information, changes may have occurred and we suggest crosschecking all information with primary sources before making any action.
