WhatsApp has finally dropped support for smartphones running on an outdated version of Android, months after Google rendered these older handsets obsolete. Earlier this week, the Meta-owned messaging platform discontinued further updates to users with smartphones on Android 4.4, more commonly known as Android KitKat.This could cause some devices to not work properly or to have shorter battery life. Overall, it is not yet known how well KitKat Android devices will work with Marshmallow. However, there are some potential compatibility issues that could cause problems. KitKat and Marshmallow are still supported by approximately 40 percent of Android devices.
Still, KitKat did hold a notable place in Android's history. When it arrived in 2013, the OS received high marks for improving the speeds of Android and offering a cleaner interface. Google’s Nexus 5 was the first phone to carry the operating system. Loss of support means any device still on KitKat won’t be able to use a variety of apps.