WhatsApp Drop Support For Android KitKat

WhatsApp needs no introduction. Statistics say it has 2.7 billion monthly users, which means the WhatsApp application is actively running on 2.7 billion devices. Must say it’s a huge number. And it’s pretty obvious that not all of these devices may be running on the latest Android version or even the same & oldest. But now the brand has decided to drop support for Android KitKat, which is Android 4.4. 

WhatsApp, on a regular basis, is rolling out upgrades as per the modernity and advancements for enhancing the user’s experience. Of course, the advanced feature needs an advanced Android version, and Android KitKat (Android 4.4) seems too old. 

Currently, the brand is providing support and also recommending the use of the following devices running on these mentioned operating systems; 

• Android devices – running OS 4.1 and newer 
• iPhone device – Running iOS 12 and newer 
• KaiOS 2.5.0 and newer, including JioPhone and JioPhone 2 

If all of these mentioned devices are running on these OS versions, then they are eligible to install WhatsApp. 

Noticeably, WhatsApp, from October 24, 2023, will only support Android OS version 5.0 and newer versions, which means that it is dropping the support for Android 4.4, known as KitKat. 

WhatsApp, on a regular basis, is rolling out upgrades as per the modernity and advancements for enhancing the user’s experience. Of course, advanced features need an advanced Android version, and Android KitKat seems too old. 

How WhatsApp Comes On Decision: Dropping Support For Android Kitkat (4.4) Version 

Changing devices and software in the natural process as per the advancement. The company has arrived at this decision of dropping support for Android KitKat by regularly reviewing what operating system it is supporting and then making updates. The brand, regarding this change, stated that. 

“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.” 

 By this statement, it is pretty clear that the company made this decision by revealing which device and software are the oldest and the least number of people still using them, and Android 4.4 KitKat is one of those. The devices that are running on Android KitKat also do not have the latest security updates or lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp. 

There Are Less Than 1% Of Users Who Are On Android KitKat Yet

Also, before the company stops supporting the Android KitKat version, the users will be notified directly in WhatsApp ahead of time and reminded a few times to upgrade.

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