If you have long been regularly using a specific smartphone model, whether because you have struggled to afford a newer model. You are simply happy enough with the one you already have, you might have nonetheless increasingly run into software support issues with it.
Just consider the case of WhatsApp — the messaging app which, as of December 31, 2022, was no longer working on dozens of devices listed here by Giz China. Included in the list are the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, Samsung Galaxy S2 and Samsung Galaxy S3 mini.
The good news is that, if you were regularly using WhatsApp. On any of the listed devices shortly before the support cut-off date. You would likely have realised, through one way or another, how urgently you needed to switch to a new device. To an alternative messaging service.
Has WhatsApp recently stopped supporting your particular smartphone?
WhatsApp explains on its website: “Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.”
The text continues: “To choose what to stop supporting, every year we, like other technology companies, look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest number of people still using them.”
At the time of writing, WhatsApp supports devices running Android OS 4.1 and newer, iOS 12 and newer or KaiOS 2.5.0 and newer — including JioPhone and JioPhone 2. However, you probably already know if WhatsApp has recently axed support for your particular device.
The WhatsApp website states: “Before we stop supporting your operating system, you’ll be notified directly. WhatsApp ahead of time and reminded a few times to upgrade.”
As a result, even if you are indecisive about whether to abandon WhatsApp permanently. You might already have switched to an alternative, like old-fashioned calling or SMS texting. As a makeshift arrangement while you consider your longer-term options.
Why you might not want to abandon your current phone just yet
One obvious remedy to the problem of your smartphone. The losing access to WhatsApp would be, quite simply, buying a new, more modern smartphone. However, you might not be convinced that this would be a practical option for you right now.
Perhaps difficult financial circumstances make you want to eke as much life out of your current phone as possible. This could be especially applicable if you run a business and are using the phone for work-related reasons.
So, what are your options if you can’t continue using WhatsApp?
While it would probably work out best for you to save as much money as possible for buying a new smartphone. Later down the line, you shouldn’t be quick to dismiss how much worth you could get out of calls and texts. You made in a way that would not require you to install any additional apps beforehand.
On personal phones, default calling and texting apps would remain available. Meanwhile, many businesses could use the Gamma Mobile service, which would let them make and receive calls and texts over Wi-Fi networks.
