WhatsApp users are being alerted about a potential loss of access to the app later this year if action is not taken promptly. Meta, the parent company of the app, is expected to discontinue support for older versions of the Android operating system, impacting devices running Android 6 or older starting September 8, 2026.
While this decision may inconvenience some users, it is important to note that Android 6 was released back in 2015, with the latest version now being Android 16. However, data from Statcounter reveals that approximately 0.69% of Android devices worldwide are still operating on Android 5, potentially affecting around 3 million devices out of the 4 billion Android users globally.
Users with aging devices are advised to upgrade to newer Android models as phones running outdated software are no longer receiving security updates and may struggle with compatibility issues with other modern applications. WABetaInfo has also shared a warning message from a future WhatsApp version indicating that the app will cease to function on certain devices.
It is recommended for users to check their Android device’s software version and take necessary steps if they are at risk of losing WhatsApp functionality. Upgrading to a newer device is the most viable solution to ensure continued access to the app and maintain device security.
