The popular Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp will discontinue support for Android versions older than Android 6.0 starting September 8, 2026. This means users with smartphones running outdated Android operating systems will no longer be able to use the app on those devices.
Android users will continue to access WhatsApp as long as they are using a supported version of the app on Android 6.0 or newer.
While WhatsApp continues to introduce new features, the company emphasizes the importance of maintaining minimum system requirements. Modern features often demand higher performance and improved device capabilities, which older devices may not be able to support effectively. As a result, WhatsApp periodically phases out support for older operating systems.
According to WABetaInfo, a platform that tracks WhatsApp updates, the current supported version of WhatsApp requires Android 5.0 or newer to ensure stability and performance across a wide range of devices. However, as the Android ecosystem advances toward newer versions, a portion of users still rely on outdated smartphones.
This situation is particularly common in regions such as India, Brazil, Pakistan, and parts of Southeast Asia and Africa, where many users continue to operate older devices that no longer receive manufacturer updates. These devices often run versions below Android 10, creating a gap between modern software requirements and legacy hardware still in use.
WhatsApp will notify affected users through an in-app alert, informing them that support will end on September 8, 2026 for specific Android versions. In particular, devices running Android 5.0 and 5.1 will lose access to WhatsApp after this date.
Although only a small percentage of users are affected, WhatsApp continues to implement such changes to improve security, performance, and feature compatibility. Users are advised to back up their chat history in advance to avoid data loss.
Backups can be easily created using Google Drive through the app settings. Alternatively, users without sufficient cloud storage can opt for local backups, which are saved directly to the device’s internal storage and can be transferred manually if needed.
Absa Bank enhances its fraud and debt management tools through WhatsApp integration
Absa Group has significantly strengthened its fraud prevention and debt collection capabilities through the implementation of FICO’s customer communications technology.
As one of South Africa’s leading banks and a member of the country’s Big Five financial institutions, Absa operates across 13 African countries. The bank has adopted advanced interactive communication tools to address rising fraud risks and support customers facing financial pressure amid inflation and increased interest rates.
Through the deployment of FICO Customer Communication Services (CCS), Absa has become the first major South African bank—and the only pan-African lender—to fully integrate WhatsApp into its end-to-end fraud prevention process.
The system is directly connected to FICO Falcon Fraud Manager, enabling real-time, two-way verification. When suspicious activity is detected, the platform instantly sends an interactive WhatsApp message to the customer within milliseconds. For users without smartphones, the system automatically switches to SMS or recorded voice messages.
This streamlined approach allows customers to quickly confirm legitimate transactions or report fraud in real time. If fraudulent activity is confirmed, a human fraud specialist is immediately brought into the digital conversation to resolve the case.
Ally Mafunzwaini, Executive of Absa Fraud Solutions, stated that with over 13 million customers across Africa, the bank continuously evolves its fraud prevention strategies to meet growing security challenges through innovation and adaptability.
WhatsApp will stop working on certain phones starting September 8
