WhatsApp is getting stricter about the software running on your phone. The messaging app is now blocking users from accessing their accounts if their device runs an outdated operating system, with the change rolling out on both Android and iOS.
First spotted by WABetaInfo, attempting to access messages on obsolete software now triggers a strict warning screen. The prompt explicitly directs them to their system settings to download the newest available OS update.
For security reasons, this alert cannot be bypassed, meaning the user's account will remain completely inaccessible until the device firmware is updated. In case the devices are obsolete with no updates pending, users will have no choice but to upgrade to a new phone running an operating system version that supports WhatsApp.
The reason for the same is to prevent hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities in older firmware to deploy malware. Once a device is compromised at the system level, malicious actors can easily intercept keystrokes and capture unencrypted data before WhatsApp's encryption kicks in.
By outright refusing to run on unsupported platforms, the platform closes a security loophole, safeguarding user privacy. This strict requirement joins a growing list of security features the platform has rolled out, including a stronger password option and expanded support for passkeys.
WhatsApp also announced Safety Overviews a few months ago, banning over 6 million accounts linked to scams. These inform users about the groups they're added to, prompting them to leave if they don't recognise them.
While the specific OS version cutoffs haven't been officially detailed, keeping firmware updated is now functionally mandatory to keep using WhatsApp. More details about this should be revealed soon, so stay tuned.
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