WhatsApp is ending support for Android devices running version 5.0 (Lollipop) as of today, September 8, according to multiple reports, including The Eastleigh Voice. Users with phones still on this operating system will no longer receive updates or be able to use the messaging service reliably.
The move affects a range of older Android smartphones that have not been upgraded past Android 5. The Eastleigh Voice reports that the change takes effect immediately, meaning affected users may already be locked out of the app. Tech Advisor and Absolute Geeks also confirm that WhatsApp is terminating service for these Android versions today, with Notebookcheck noting that iPhone users on older iOS versions will face a similar cutoff in November.
This is part of a broader pattern by WhatsApp to phase out outdated operating systems that lack modern security features and cannot support new app functions. The company has previously dropped support for even older Android versions, and this latest step narrows the list of compatible devices further. According to legit.ng, WhatsApp has been sending messages to users in recent weeks, warning them that their phones are outdated and listing affected devices to give people time to prepare.
