WhatsApp has officially confirmed that, beginning January 1, 2025, it will end support for Android smartphones running Android KitKat (version 4.4) or earlier. This decision will impact both the standard WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, making the app unusable on devices running these outdated versions of the Android operating system. Users with such devices will no longer be able to access WhatsApp services.
Android KitKat, released in 2013, is now considered too old to support the app’s latest features and security updates, likely due to the hardware limitations of these older devices. Individuals utilizing these versions must transition to more recent smartphone models to maintain access to WhatsApp.
WhatsApp will not be available on the following Android devices.
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
- Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Moto Razr HD, Moto E 2014
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
One of the significant reasons behind this move is that newer versions of Android OS systems include upgraded APIs and enhanced technologies. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that earlier this month, WhatsApp issued a comparable statement regarding iPhones operating on iOS versions prior to 15.1, indicating that support for these devices will persist until May 2025.
