WhatsApp update: Messaging platform will not support Android 2.3.7 and iOS 7 in 2020

Social messaging service WhatsApp has said that it would no longer support devices using the Android 2.3.7 operating system and iPhones using iOS 7 after February 1, 2020. The updated FAQs note of the App stated that users whose devices have those operating systems "can no longer create new accounts, nor reverify existing accounts" after that date, said an IANS report citing Efe news. Here is what the Facebook-owned App reportedly said: 

1. WhatsApp said it expected a limited impact from the change since it would only affect users who had not purchased a new phone or updated their operating system in more than six years.

2. Even as users having older operating systems are already unable to create new WhatsApp accounts or reverify existing accounts, the Facebook-owned company does allow those who already have the app on their phones to continue using it.

3. The California-based WhatsApp stated, "you`ll no longer be able to use all Windows Phone operating systems after December 31, 2019, and WhatsApp might not be available in the Microsoft Store after July 1, 2019."

4. This change is expected to have even less of an effect on users since only about 0.24 per cent of mobile phones around the world, according to Statcounter, use a Windows operating system.

5. The 0.24 per cent figure includes all versions of the Windows operating system, including the more recent Windows 10 Mobile, so that the number of current Windows Phone users is insignificant.

6. WhatsApp recommended using Android 4.0.3 or later; iOS 8 or later; and certain phone models with KaiOS 2.5.1 or later, including the JioPhone and JioPhone 2, the report added.