WhatsApp announces the end of support for iPhones with operating system iOS 8. Here's what changes and what to do to prevent the problem
From February 1, 2020 WhatsApp will no longer support iPhones with operating system iOS 8 or earlier. To announce it is the same company that has published a post within the FAQ dedicated to the application. This is certainly not a novelty, already in past years WhatsApp had stopped supporting some mobile operating systems (e.g. Symbian) that could no longer make the application work properly.
The news should not affect a large number of users: iOS 8 was launched back in September 2014 and in the meantime have been launched five other versions (last iOS 13) that support most of the iPhones on the market. If by chance you still have an Apple smartphone with iOS 8, the advice is to update it as soon as possible to continue using WhatsApp and all the new features of the messaging application. With the end of support from WhatsApp, users who have an iPhone with iOS 8 will no longer be able to sign up for the app and you won't be able to reverify an existing account. It will be possible, instead, to continue using WhatsApp, with some limitations and dangers.
WhatsApp, goodbye to some iPhones: here are
There is no specific model of iPhone that will no longer be supported by WhatsApp, but only the version of the operating system: iOS 8. What does this mean? If you have an iPhone with iOS 8 or earlier versions, as of February 1, 2020, the WhatsApp app will no longer be supported. You will no longer be able to create an account or reverify an existing one. Also, you will not receive security updates and new features that developers will release in the future.
What to do to avoid the end of support by WhatsApp? Update your iPhone to a newer version of iOS or buy a new smartphone.
iOS 8, end of WhatsApp support: what are the risks
What do you risk by continuing to use a smartphone that is not supported by WhatsApp? First of all, the risks are related to the security of your personal data. If a WhatsApp security flaw is discovered in the future that allows hackers to get your personal data, you will not receive any update that fixes the vulnerability. An app that does not receive security patches is an unsafe app and one that we do not recommend using.
Also, without technical support from developers, you will not receive WhatsApp updates either. So no new features and difficulties in communicating with your friends.
WhatsApp end of support for Android: which versions
It will not be only iPhones that will no longer be supported by WhatsApp, but also some versions of the Android operating system. From February 1, 2020 stop support for all smartphones that have installed Android version 2.3.7 or earlier.