WhatsApp to block certain smartphones starting 2017

The world's favourite instant messaging application WhatsApp has decided to discontinue service for multiple smartphones at the end of this month.

With over one billion active users per month, it is certain, owners with smartphones that won't be supported in 2017 will be out shopping for a new phone. 

WhatsApp will be ending support for devices running Android 2.1 and Android 2.2, the Windows Phone 7 and the iPhone 3GS as well as iOS6. 

It had earlier decided to discontinue support for BLackBerry and Nokia phones at the end of December as well but has now decided to continue support till end of June.

 

An update on the WhatsApp blog added: 

"WhatsApp is extending support for BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10, Nokia S40 and Nokia Symbian S60 until June 30, 2017."

Citing limitations of the devices, as the reason for discontinuing support, the blog stated: 

"While these mobile devices have been an important part of our story, they don't offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app's features in the future."

The blog post adds, that people using one of the affected mobile devices, should upgrade to a newer Android, iPhone or Windows phone before 2016 ends in order to continue using the application. 

Despite WhatsApp's decision to share user information with parent company Facebook or the recently announced support discontinuation, the application's popularity has not been affected with more and more users actively relying on WhatsApp as the go-to communication option.