A recent alert has been issued to WhatsApp users, warning that failure to take action now could lead to losing access to the app later this year. Reports from WABetaInfo suggest that the popular messaging platform might no longer be compatible with older Android devices.
The potential loss of support is linked to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, planning to discontinue services for outdated versions of the Google-owned operating system. This move could result in a sudden cutoff for millions of users who rely on WhatsApp.
WABetaInfo reveals that devices running on Android 6 or earlier will face restrictions starting September 8, 2026. While this decision may inconvenience some users, it is expected that the impact will be minimal as Android 6 was released in 2015, and the current version is Android 16.
Despite the majority of users likely being unaffected, data from Statcounter indicates that around 0.69% of global Android devices still operate on Android 5. Although this percentage appears small, it translates to approximately 3 million devices out of the over 4 billion Android users worldwide.
For individuals still using decade-old phones, they may continue to function normally for now. However, after September 8, WhatsApp services could cease to operate on these devices. The most practical solution would be to upgrade to a newer Android device, as older software versions lack security updates and may struggle to support modern applications.
In addition to the alert, WABetaInfo shared a preview image from an upcoming WhatsApp version displaying a warning message regarding the app’s future incompatibility with certain devices. It is advisable for users to check their Android device’s software version and take necessary action if they are at risk of being affected.
