WhatsApp Bids Adieu to BlackBerry OS, Windows Phone 8.0

WhatsApp is saying goodbye to several older mobile operating systems.

The Facebook-owned chat app has announced plans to end support for BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10, Windows Phone 8.0 and older, and Nokia S40 on Dec. 31. Users on these platforms can no longer create new accounts or re-verify existing ones. After Dec. 31, the app will stop working on these platforms altogether.

WhatsApp said it's also planning to ditch Android versions 2.3.7 and older, but not until Feb. 1, 2020.

"These platforms don't offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app's features in the future," WhatsApp explained. "If you use one of these affected mobile devices, we recommend upgrading to a newer OS version, or to a newer Android running OS 4.0+, iPhone running iOS 7+, or Windows Phone 8.1+ so that you can continue using WhatsApp."

WhatsApp does not offer the option to transfer your chat history between platforms, so when you install the app on a new device and verify your phone number, you'll be starting over fresh. You can, however, send your chat history via email; for instructions on how to do that, check out WhatsApp's FAQ page.

WhatsApp also previously ended support for Android versions older than 2.3.3, Windows Phone 7, iPhone 3GS/iOS 6, and Nokia Symbian S60.

:story: PC Magazine