14 DAY TRIAL // We've all been wondering how it is that WhatsApp Messenger is still working on platforms like Android 2.1 or Symbian S60, and how long it will take the developer of the application to stop supporting them.
Well, it appears that the end is near, as WhatsApp announced that by the end of 2016 it would end support on the following mobile platforms: BlackBerry (including BlackBerry 10), Nokia S40, Nokia Symbian S60, Android 2.1 and Android 2.2, as well as Windows Phone 7.1.
Even though the decision to end support for these almost dead operating systems makes sense, it's surprising that WhatsApp will not be supporting BlackBerry platform starting next year.
The reason might be the fact that BlackBerry suggested many times in the last couple of months that it has no plans to launch more BlackBerry 10 smartphones and that it will focus on Android devices.
“While these mobile devices have been an important part of our story, they don't offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app's features in the future.
“This was a tough decision for us to make, but the right one in order to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones using WhatsApp,” explains the team in a blog post.
Those affected are advised to switch to a newer device
According to developers, those who still have smartphones powered by one of the mobile platforms mentioned earlier should upgrade to a new Android, iPhone, or Windows Phone before the end of 2016 to continue to use WhatsApp.
Unfortunately, not many popular instant messengers still work on some of these obsolete operating systems, but BlackBerry users will be able to find alternatives quickly.
BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) could be one of the options for those affected by the issue, but there are many other apps for BlackBerry OS that will provide features similar to those of WhatsApp.