A new server-side update reportedly requires some users to update their phone’s operating system before they can access their WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp is reportedly introducing a new security measure that could prevent users from logging into their accounts if their Android or iOS version is too old.
According to a new report, the feature is being delivered through a server-side update, meaning users do not necessarily need to install a specific WhatsApp version to receive it. The change is reportedly rolling out to both Android and iOS devices.
Under the new system, WhatsApp could display a warning screen asking users to update their phone’s operating system before they can log back into their account.
The screen reportedly directs users to their phone’s Settings and asks them to install any available system update. Once the operating system has been updated, users can return to WhatsApp and attempt to log in again.
The warning also reportedly provides instructions for checking the current operating system version, which could help users determine whether their device needs an update.
WhatsApp will reportedly not allow users to bypass the requirement. The move appears to be connected to security concerns surrounding older operating system versions, although WhatsApp has not publicly explained the exact reason for introducing the measure.
One possible explanation is that older versions of Android and iOS may contain known security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Requiring users to update their operating system could therefore help reduce the risk of compromised devices being used to spread malicious content through WhatsApp.
End-to-end encryption protects the contents of WhatsApp messages while they are being transmitted, but it cannot necessarily protect a user whose device has already been compromised by malware. A malicious link received from a trusted contact could potentially pose a risk if the sender’s device or account has been compromised.
However, it remains unclear which Android and iOS versions will trigger the new restriction. WhatsApp has reportedly not announced whether the feature will target specific outdated operating systems or be introduced more broadly.
For now, users who encounter the new warning should check their device’s software update settings and install any available operating system update before attempting to log in again.