WhatsApp has quietly removed support for iOS 10 and 11, making iOS 12 the minimum version requirement for iPhone users.
The Instant messaging platform is removing support for iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c models by leaving out previous iOS versions.
WhatsApp has started announcing the updates to iOS 10 and iOS 11 users. Dropping support for previous iOS versions effectively means that WhatsApp users will be unable to receive new updates and security patches unless they upgrade to a newer iOS version — or newer hardware running iOS 12 or later.
WhatsApp will quit backing iOS 10 and iOS 11 as early as October 24, according to a screenshot posted by some users and revealed to the public by WABetaInfo.
To continue receiving WhatsApp support, the app recommends that users update to a newer iOS version.
If you have an iPhone 5 or iPhone 5c, you won’t be able to update to a newer iOS edition. If you own an iPhone 5s or later, you can still use WhatsApp by updating to iOS 12.
WhatsApp’s endorsed operating systems FAQ section on the Help Centre site has been changed to reflect that it now supports and recommends customers have an iPhone running iOS 12 or higher.
WhatsApp’s App Store listing has also been changed to reflect the software components change. WhatsApp discreetly enhanced iOS compatibility this month, according to Web archives.
Subscribers on iOS 10 and iOS 11 will no longer be able to download WhatsApp from the App Store as a result of the update.
However, if you have WhatsApp downloaded on an older iOS version, you will likely continue to receive updates and security patches until October.
This isn’t the first time WhatsApp has dropped compatibility for an older version of its software. It is standard procedure to only make the popular messaging software available and enabled on newer operating systems.
In 2021, the instant messaging platform stopped supporting Android 4.0.4 users, telling them to make an upgrade to Android 4.1.
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