Meta’s latest updates leave millions with outdated phones unable to access WhatsApp

WhatsApp is set to sever its ties with millions of older devices in a dramatic move that will leave many users scrambling for alternatives. Starting on 1 January 2025, the messaging giant will cease support for phones running Android KitKat or older operating systems, rendering them incompatible with the app.

This decision, announced by WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, is part of a regular effort to improve security and functionality. However, it comes with a harsh reality: those clinging to outdated phones will no longer be able to use the popular app unless their devices can upgrade to a newer operating system.

While the change will initially target Android phones, iPhones of similar age will face the axe later in the year. Meta emphasised that users whose devices still allow updates can continue using WhatsApp by upgrading their software. Unfortunately, those with phones that have stopped receiving updates are out of luck.

This update applies not only to the regular WhatsApp app but also to its Business counterpart, creating potential disruptions for small businesses relying on the platform for communication. For some, this may feel like being forced to upgrade hardware at a time when inflation and financial pressures weigh heavily on households.

Meta explained its rationale in a statement: “To ensure the highest levels of security and innovation, we periodically end support for older operating systems.” While the move has drawn praise for prioritising user safety, it has also sparked outrage among those who feel unfairly excluded by the tech giant’s decisions.

The first wave of changes will affect Android KitKat, which debuted nearly a decade ago in 2013. Though this operating system was groundbreaking at the time, its limitations are now glaring in a world of advanced cybersecurity threats and ever-evolving features.

For iPhone users, the deadline looms later in 2025, when older Apple devices will also lose access to WhatsApp. Details remain sparse, but insiders suggest it will likely affect iPhones running iOS versions older than iOS 12.

The news has sent shockwaves through social media, with users voicing concerns about accessibility and affordability. “This feels like a punishment for not being able to afford a newer phone,” tweeted one user, highlighting the socio-economic divide exacerbated by such updates.

Tech experts have recommended users check their phones immediately to determine whether their devices can receive software updates. Those unable to upgrade face a tough choice: switch to alternative messaging platforms or invest in a new device—a decision many may not have budgeted for.

As the clock ticks closer to the January 2025 deadline, millions of WhatsApp users must now adapt to the changes or risk losing access to one of the world’s most widely used communication tools. For Meta, this is another step in its journey to modernise digital communication. For users, it’s a stark reminder of technology’s relentless march forward—and its sometimes unforgiving demands.