A new WhatsApp update will prevent older Android and iPhone devices from having access to the app starting from January 1, 2021.
The development would force owners to either update their mobile operating system or buy a new smartphone.
Any iPhone not running iOS 9 or newer, or any phone not running at least Android 4.0.3 also known as Ice Cream Sandwich will no longer be able to access the app.
This means all iPhone models up to the iPhone 4 will be unable to support WhatsApp, as these phones are not capable of updating to iOS 9.
The iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S were all released before iOS 9, however, owners can still update to the operating system if they are yet to do so.
Android phones that will lose WhatsApp support include the Samsung Galaxy S2, HTC Desire and LG Optimus Black.
Phones set to lose WhatsApp support on 1 January 2021 include:
Apple iPhone 1-4
Samsung Galaxy S2
HTC Desire
LG Optimus Black
Motorola Droid Razr
Any Android released before 2010
Phones that will need to update to at least iOS 9 or Android OS 4.0.3:
Apple iPhone 4S
iPhone 5
iPhone 5S
iPhone 6
iPhone 6S
Samsung Galaxy S3 and newer
Samsung Galaxy Note
HTC Sensation
HTC Thunderbolt
LG Lucid
Motorola Droid 4
Sony Xperia Pro and newer
