14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 Mobile will receive its last update in December, after which it will officially become an unsupported platform, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone already gave up on it.
Despite the 0 percent market share, Windows 10 Mobile is still being used by some people out there, and these claim they have no intention to switch to Android or iOS anytime soon.
That might have to change shortly as WhatsApp will reportedly stop working on Windows phones once and for all on December 31. In other words, the most popular mobile messaging app will wave goodbye to Windows 10 Mobile, of course to focus on modern platforms that have a bigger market share.
Windows Phone 8.1 app store to close
News that WhatsApp leaves Windows phones isn’t necessarily surprising, as Microsoft itself is taking the necessary steps to retire its mobile platform.
On December 16, Microsoft will close the Windows Phone 8.1 app store, which means that users will no longer be able to download and install apps – to be clear, this doesn’t mean installed apps would go away or stop working, but downloading new ones or reinstalling them would no longer be possible.
WhatsApp would remain available in the Windows 10 Mobile store for two more weeks until December 31, after which it should be retired as well.
Windows phones aren’t the only ones affected by WhatsApp’s focus on modern platform, as old versions of Android and iOS would also see the messaging app going in February.
Meanwhile, Windows phone users who really don’t want to give up on this platform can switch to Telegram, as the company is yet to announce the departure from Windows 10 Mobile. Telegram is considered one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp, and it’s also available cross-platform with Android and iOS clients also offered.