The WhatsApp application has stopped working on 49 smartphone models as of yesterday, leaving millions without the application, as users with old iPhones and Android devices will need to obtain an upgrade after December 31 in order to use the application at the beginning of the new year.
In total 49 models will be affected – including a number of Huawei, LG and Samsung phones, and the app has reportedly been programmed to issue an alert to those affected before the instant messaging service stops working.
WhatsApp management said: “Hardware and software change often, so we regularly review and make updates to the operating systems we support, and these devices may also not have the latest security updates, or they may lack the functions required to run WhatsApp.”
And she added, “To choose what to stop supporting, every year, like other technology companies, we look at the hardware and software that are older and still used by the fewest people. To update your iPhone’s operating system, go to General Settings and select Software Update.”
Full list of affected makes and models
Iphone 5
iPhone 5c
Archos 53 Platinum
Grand S Flex ZTE
ZTE Grand X Quad V987
HTC Desire 500
Huawei Ascend Dr
Huawei Ascend D1
Huawei Ascend D2
Huawei Ascend G740
Huawei Ascend Mate
Huawei Ascend P1
Lenovo A820
LG Enact
LG Lucid 2
LG Optimus 4X HD
LG Optimus F3 phone
LG Optimus F3Q phone
LG Optimus F5 phone
LG Optimus F6 phone
LG Optimus F7 phone
LG Optimus L2 II
LG Optimus L3 II
LG Optimus L3 II Dual
LG Optimus L4 II
LG Optimus L4 II Dual
LG Optimus L5
LG Optimus L5 II
LG Optimus L5 II Dual
LG Optimus L7
LG Optimus L7 II
LG Optimus L7 II Dual
LG Optimus Nitro HD
ZTE V956 Note
Quad XL
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
Samsung Galaxy Core
Samsung Galaxy S2
Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
Samsung Galaxy Trend II
Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite
Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2
Sony Xperia Arc S
Sony Xperia Miro
Sony Xperia New L
Wiko Sync Five
Wiko Darknight ZT
