WhatsApp is set to make major changes to its popular messaging service, meaning that some users will be unable to use the app amid a series of new updates.
A majority of smartphone users are reliant on the messaging service but those on older devices will soon be unable to text through the app due to new system alterations.
When new updates are released, users will often see fixes to bugs and the release of new features in a hope to boost user experience.
However, as technology evolves, apps soon become unavailable on certain devices as the software cannot keep up with the changes.
Here's everything you need to know about the changes and which devices will be affected.
Why will WhatsApp stop working on certain mobile devices?
From October 24, WhatsApp will stop working on certain mobile devices as the app has stated that it cannot work on older phones due to a new operating system.
As newer operating systems cannot be supported on a range of smartphones, WhatsApp users on a number of different devices will soon be unable to use the messaging service, according to its FAQ section on its website.
What smartphones will be affected by the WhatsApp changes?
The following mobile devices will be unable to run WhatsApp next month.
- iPhone SE, 6S and 6S Plus
- 40 Android devices including Samsung, Huawei and Sony models
- Samsung devices including the Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite, Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Trend II, Galaxy SII, Galaxy S3 mini, Galaxy Xcover 2 and Galaxy Core.
- LG devices including the LG Lucid 2, Optimus F7, Optimus F5, Optimus L3 II Dual, Optimus F5, Optimus L5, Optimus L5 II, Optimus L5 Dual, Optimus L3 II, Optimus L7, Optimus L7 II Dual, Optimus L7 II, Optimus F6, Enact , Optimus L4 II Dual, Optimus F3, Optimus L4 II, Optimus L2 II, Optimus Nitro HD and 4X HD, and Optimus F3Q
- ZTE devices including the ZTE Grand S Flex, ZTE V956, Grand X Quad V987 and Grand Memo
- Huawei devices including t he Huawei Ascend G740, Ascend D Quad XL, Ascend Mate, Ascend D1 Quad XL, Ascend P1 S and Ascend D2.
- Sony devices including the Sony Xperia Miro, Sony Xperia Neo L, Xperia Arc S
- The Alcatel One Touch Evo 7
- Archos 53 Platinum
UMi X2
- HTC Desire 500,
- Caterpillar Cat B15
- Wiko Cink Five
- Wiko Darknight
- Lenovo A820
- Faea F1
- THL W8.
What are the new WhatsApp updates?
WhatsApp has also announced eight new changes to the messaging app alongside the new system changes which include:
- The ability to unsend messages for up to two days (live now)
- The app will announce when a phone number is shared with a business
Group admins will be able to unsend texts sent by members
- Users will be able to send texts to themselves from a linked device
- WhatsApp businesses will be able to assign certain chats to specific linked devices
In-app surveys will be available for users to submit feedback
Users will be able to submit bug reports inside the app
- An in-app shop will soon become available where users can make purchases inside WhatsApp (this feature is currently only available in India).
Some of the new features are available now while others are only currently available on the beta version of the app.
Other changes are yet to be released as they are "under development".
How to join WhatsApp Beta
If you want to be one of the first people to receive WhatsApp updates, you can join WhatsApp Beta to become a tester.
To download the app on your smartphone, go to Google Play on your Android device and search for WhatsApp and then scroll down until you find "Become a Beta Tester".
Then you will need to tap the "I'm In" button and click "Join" to confirm.
You will then need to wait for a WhatsApp update in order to gain access to the beta version of the messaging service.
If you have an iPhone, this procedure is more difficult as it has a limited capacity for testers.
Currently, the WhatsApp Beta is full on iPhone devices but you can see the Apple guide here.
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