A recent alert has been issued to WhatsApp users, warning that failure to take action promptly could result in losing access to the app later this year. Meta, the parent company of the app, is expected to discontinue support for older versions of the Android operating system, potentially impacting millions of users.
According to reports from WABetaInfo, devices running on Android 6 or earlier will face restrictions starting on September 8, 2026. While this decision may not sit well with some users, it is essential to note that Android 6 was introduced in 2015, and the current version is Android 16.
Despite the small percentage of global Android devices still operating on Android 5, which amounts to approximately 3 million devices out of over 4 billion Android users worldwide, the impact could be significant. Users with outdated devices may need to upgrade to newer Android models to continue using WhatsApp effectively.
It is advisable to check the software version on your Android device to ensure it meets the app’s requirements. Upgrading to a newer device is not only necessary for continued WhatsApp access but also crucial for security reasons, as older devices may no longer receive essential software updates. A warning message displayed in a future WhatsApp version emphasizes the impending changes, urging users to prepare for the transition.