If WhatsApp is a regular part of your daily smartphone routine, make sure your mobile operating system is up to date or you could lose access to the messaging app in 2021.
WhatsApp has confirmed that it will end support for older devices by Jan. 1, TechRadar reports. That means if you haven't upgraded to iOS 9 or above on iPhone or Android 4.0.3 or above on Android devices, you could lose access to some app features or the entire app depending on your device and OS version.
To avoid this outcome, update your phone OS if necessary, and make sure you're running the most recent version of WhatsApp. If your OS version is already higher than iOS 9 or Android 4.0.3, your WhatsApp access is safe. If you have an older phone that doesn't support a newer OS, it might be time for a phone upgrade, or you'll be relegated to WhatsApp on the web.
This isn't something localized only to WhatsApp. Apps "outgrow" devices quite often. These OS versions are much older as it is. That's why it's important to keep up with software updates and pick up new phones or tablets as budgets allow. If you're upgrading, check out our picks for the Best Phones, Best Android Phones, and Best Cheap Phones.