(AmericanProsperity.com) – In a decision that affects millions of Americans, WhatsApp is set to abandon loyal iPhone users, leaving them without access to the popular messaging app.
This decision, slated for May 2025, will force countless citizens to either submit to Big Tech’s upgrade demands or lose their ability to communicate freely.
WhatsApp, owned by Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, has announced it will cease support for older iPhone models, including the iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus.
This change will affect devices unable to update beyond iOS 12.5.7, essentially strong-arming users into purchasing newer, more expensive devices.
The tech giant claims this move is necessary to introduce new features, improve security, and enhance performance.
However, many see it as yet another example of Silicon Valley’s disregard for average Americans, forcing them to upgrade or constantly be left behind.
WhatsApp to Drop Support for These iPhones Starting May 2025 https://t.co/CvNgMIIT8Z pic.twitter.com/u2Zcw2mtwR
— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) December 2, 2024
Critics argued that this update disproportionately affects lower-income Americans who may not be able to afford constant upgrades.
“Currently, WhatsApp supports iOS 12 and later, but with a future update, the app will require iOS 15.1 or newer to work properly,” the app said in a report.
It continued, “To help affected users adapt to this change, WhatsApp is providing a five-month notice period, giving them ample time to update their devices if possible or consider alternatives if their hardware does not support newer iOS versions.”
While WhatsApp asserted that it offers solutions like backing up chats to iCloud or using its Chat Transfer feature, these options still require users to purchase new devices.
This raises questions about data privacy and whether users’ personal information will be secure during these transfers.
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