WhatsApp Tests New Status Preview and Drops Support for 32 Older Devices

Highlights

• New WhatsApp status preview feature in beta version 2.24.14.2
• Status updates can be previewed without clicking
• Horizontal arrangement for channel subscribers
• WhatsApp ends support for 32 older devices from 2024

WhatApp, the world’s most popular instant messaging app, is developing a new status preview feature in its newest Android beta version 2.24.14.2.

The update is oriented to enhance user experience by redesigning some of the interfaces of this app.

The beta comes with the introduction of a reworked status update tray that will give users a cleaner look.

This includes the key changes that allow the previewing of status updates without actually clicking on them.

A preview thumbnail is shown to the right with enough information that lets a user view the full update or just scroll by.

Changes for Channel Subscribers

For the subscribers of channels, the status updates will be arranged horizontally so as not to clutter the interface.

For others, it would be in a vertical list with new designs for the thumbnails in the previews.

Improved User Recognition

Earlier versions of the Status previews covered the profile pictures, dimming their visibility and making it hard for other contacts to recognize.

The new positioning for status previews looks to resolve this issue and enhance the overall UX.

WhatsApp to Stop Working on Certain Devices

Beginning in 2024, WhatsApp will also no longer operate on over 35 different phones running older versions of Google’s and Apple’s operative systems.

This move involves a number of models from different companies, including Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, Sony, LG, and Apple.

Affected Devices

Samsung Models

• Galaxy Ace Plus
• Galaxy Core
• Galaxy Express 2
• Galaxy Grand
• Galaxy Note 3 N9005 LTE
• Galaxy Note 3 Neo LTE+
• Galaxy S 19500
• Galaxy S3 Mini VE
• Galaxy S4 Active
• Galaxy S4 mini (various versions)
• Galaxy S4 Zoom

Motorola Models

• Moto G
• Moto X

Apple Models

• iPhone 5
• iPhone 5C
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6S Plus
• iPhone 6S
• iPhone SE

Huawei Models:

• Ascend P6 S
• Ascend G525
• Huawei C199
• Huawei GX1s
• Huawei Y625

Lenovo Models:

• Lenovo 46600
• Lenovo A858T
• Lenovo P70
• Lenovo S890

Sony Models:

• Xperia Z1
• Xperia E3

LG Models:

• Optimus 4X HD P880
• Optimus G
• Optimus G Pro
• Optimus L7

Additional Devices Losing Support:

• Sony Xperia M
• Lenovo A820
• Faea F1
• THL W8
• Archos 53 Platinum
• Wiko Cink Five
• Wiko Darknight
• ZTE V956
• ZTE UMi X2
• ZTE Grand S Flex
• ZTE Grand Memo

Many of these devices are over seven years old.

While some users may argue that certain models, such as the iPhone 6S Plus, are still usable, WhatsApp has decided to discontinue support for these older devices to focus on newer hardware and updated software.

Users with affected devices may need to consider upgrading to continue using WhatsApp safely.

FAQs

What is the new WhatsApp status preview feature?

The new status preview feature allows users to see a thumbnail preview of status updates without having to click on them.

How will the status updates for channel subscribers change?

For channel subscribers, status updates will be arranged horizontally to avoid cluttering the interface.

Which devices will WhatsApp stop supporting in 2024?

WhatsApp will no longer support 32 older devices, including models from Samsung, Motorola, Apple, Huawei, Lenovo, Sony, LG, and ZTE.

Why is WhatsApp dropping support for these older devices?

WhatsApp is ending support for these older devices to focus on newer hardware and updated software, ensuring a better user experience.

What should users with affected devices do?

Users with affected devices may need to upgrade to newer models to continue using WhatsApp safely.

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