The Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp will stop working on millions of older iPhone and Android devices from today, November 1.
WhatsApp is stopping support for older versions of both the iOS and Android operating systems which means they will no longer receive security and software support which could result in bugs or security exploits.
WhatsApp will stop working on up to 53 different smartphone models as it shifts the requirements.
According to the FAQ section on its website, WhatsApp says people should use phones running Android version OS 4.1 or iPhones running iOS 10 and newer.
Whatsapp To Roll Out New Features For Desktop Users
WhatsApp is said to be working on a new feature that will allow users to modify their privacy settings from their desktop.
Read more: Want to send a message to yourself on WhatsApp? Here’s a step-by-step guide
The new feature would allow users to “change privacy settings from within WhatsApp Desktop,” according to WABetaInfo, an independent service that tracks WhatsApp upgrades.
WhatsApp Web, the app’s desktop version, does not currently allow users to manage their privacy settings.
Users can only manage notification settings, change the theme and chat wallpaper, and manage blacklisted contacts in the desktop version.
Only the mobile app allows users to adjust their privacy settings.
According to WaBetaInfo, users will be able to change privacy settings such as who can see their last seen, profile photo, and about after the update.
Users will also have the option of enabling or disabling read receipts (also known as blue ticks) and choose who can add them to groups. This new section of privacy settings will now include the opportunity to manage blacklisted contacts.
WhatsApp hasn’t said when the new functionality will be available. However, beta testers will be the first to have access to it.
What Is Beta Version For Whatsapp Desktop?
In August of this year, WhatsApp introduced a beta version for the desktop app. Users can sign up for public beta testing to test out the new features coming to WhatsApp’s desktop app.
Beta testers have early and immediate access to new features before they are made available to the general public.
Users on the beta channel can provide feedback on these features as well as report any issues they have with the new releases.
