Apps

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

News site WABetaInfo has found out that WhatsApp is bringing out a redesigned status preview feature with the latest beta version.

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

The new beta version offers a redesigned status update tray making it cleaner and better.

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

As reported by the website CanalTech, WhatsApp has stopped receiving updates on a total of 35 mobile phones that have older versions of Google and Apple operating systems.

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.