BlackBerry
users in Nigeria and across the world will now not be able to use WhatsApp on
their devices from June 30, 2017 instead of the earlier date of December 31,
2016.
WhatsApp
stated this on Wednesday when it updated its support page, adding that it would
now end its support on the BlackBerry software platform mid next year.
It
stated that Blackberry users had “a bit more than seven more months to enjoy
the social media app.”
“We
will soon be ending support for certain devices. On June 30, 2017, we will no
longer support the following platforms: BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10, Nokia
S40 and Nokia Symbian S60,” the WhatsApp statement on its updated page read.
The
company confirmed that the service would be halted on Android 2.1 and Android
2.2 as well as Windows Phone 7 at the beginning of 2017.
According
to it, the messaging app will no longer be supported on old operating systems,
including devices running iOS 6 and the iPhone 3GS phone.
The
statement said, “These platforms don’t offer the kind of capabilities we need
to expand our app’s features in the future.
“If
you use one of these affected mobile devices, we recommend upgrading to a newer
Android running OS 2.3+, a Windows Phone 8+, or an iPhone running iOS 7+ before
the end of 2016 to continue using WhatsApp.”
It
noted that there was currently no option to transfer chat history between
platforms. Although, upon request, the company said it could provide chat
history attached to an email.
Shortly
after WhatsApp’s announcement in early 2016 to end support for BlackBerry, the
Canadian company expressed its disappointment with the decision to abandon its
platform.
It
had said in a statement that, “We are working on alternative solutions, which
will keep our customers glued to their BlackBerry devices. Already, we have
introduced the BlackBerry PRIV, which is Android-based, and with it they can
use Facebook and WhatsApp.”
Source:The
Punch
Tags
Business