Starting January 1, 2025, WhatsApp won’t work support for Android devices running KitKat or earlier versions. Users of well-known models such as the Samsung Galaxy S3 and HTC One X will need to upgrade their devices to continue using the app and access new features. iPhone users will have until May 5, 2025, to make the switch.
WhatsApp won’t work
WhatsApp won’t workWhatsApp is ending support for older Android devices starting in 2025. From January 1, it won’t work on phones running Android KitKat or earlier versions. If you’re using an older Android model, you’ll need to upgrade your phone to keep using the app.
The reason for this change is that the hardware on these older devices can’t handle the new features WhatsApp is rolling out. This makes sense, especially after WhatsApp introduced Meta AI earlier this year and added more AI-related features.
For context, Android KitKat was released back in 2013, and Google stopped supporting it earlier this year.
Top Android phones that will lose WhatsApp support in 2025:
The new policy means WhatsApp will stop working on several iconic Android phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, Motorola Moto G, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia Z etc, here’s the full list.
| Android | iOS |
| Samsung Galaxy S3 Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) Motorola Razr HD Moto E 2014 HTC One X HTC One X+ HTCDesire 500 HTCDesire 601 LG Optimus G LG Nexus 4 LG G2 Mini LG L90 Sony Xperia Z Sony Xperia SP Sony Xperia T Sony Xperia V | iPhone 5s iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus |
Currently Supported OS :
WhatsApp announced that they recommend the following operating systems and devices:
- Android devices running OS 5.0 or later
- iPhones running iOS 12 or later*
*Note: Starting May 5, 2025, only iOS versions 15.1 and later will be supported.
What happens if your operating system is no longer supported ?
Before WhatsApp stop supporting your operating system, you’ll be notified in WhatsApp and reminded a few times to upgrade.
WhatsApp won’t work on KaiOS
In addition to Android and iOS devices, WhatsApp will be discontinuing support for devices running KaiOS. Before this change takes place, all affected users will be directly notified in advance, giving them ample time to prepare.
For those using KaiOS devices, it is highly recommended to back up any important information stored on their devices, as there will be no support for backup or the ability to restore data from these devices once support ends.
Meta AI integration
As WhatsApp won’t work on older generation devices, the solid reason for this change is that the hardware on these older devices can’t handle the new features WhatsApp is rolling out. This makes sense, especially after WhatsApp introduced Meta AI earlier this year and added more AI-related features.
Considering the fact that Meta AI won’t work on older devices, Company has decided that WhatsApp won’t work on them.
On the Brightsode, one of WhatsApp’s most significant changes in 2024 was its integration with Meta AI. Since its launch, the chatbot has been able to perform a variety of tasks with just a simple prompt. From answering questions to generating images, it has quickly evolved, allowing users to unleash their creativity in numerous ways.
Meta AI is the artificial intelligence system developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), designed to enhance user experiences across its platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Oculus. Meta AI focuses on providing advanced capabilities such as natural language processing, image recognition, and voice interaction. It powers features like chatbots, automatic translations, and content recommendations. By integrating Meta AI into apps like WhatsApp, Meta aims to offer more interactive and personalized experiences, enabling users to communicate with smarter, AI-driven tools that can assist with tasks like answering questions, editing images, and generating creative content.
ALSO READ: I used Meta AI on WhatsApp, and here’s everything it can do.
