WhatsApp to stop work on a range of iPhone, Android devices by May
To improve the user experience, MTN Group, Africa’s leading telecommunications service provider, has partnered with Meta to enhance the quality and reliability of voice and video calls on real-time calling applications such as WhatsApp across 12 MTN markets.
By optimising application-aware networks and network-aware applications, the initiative aims to deliver a more seamless, stable, and high-quality user experience. The collaboration aims to improve real-time calling experiences across 12 markets by pinpointing areas for enhancement and executing specific interventions.
Since MWC 2024, MTN and Meta teams have been collaborating to identify key areas for improvement and implement targeted network optimizations that enhance the interaction between mobile networks and real-time calling applications while maintaining efficient traffic delivery. By harnessing data analytics and conducting comprehensive testing, they have successfully created and deployed solutions that significantly enhance the quality of experience for mobile users.
The first market to implement these enhancements is Nigeria, where early results show notable improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs), including a 50 per cent improvement, leading to a better user experience for MTN Nigeria mobile users.
MTN Nigeria Chief Technical Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, said: “This implementation further demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our customers’ digital experience. We’re pleased with the remarkable improvement in our real-time communication services, reflecting our commitment to innovative customer solutions.”
On his part, Diego Marí, Head of Network Ecosystems Engineering at Meta, said the collaboration allows them to deploy advanced solutions for an unparalleled real-time experience in Nigeria and “showcases our dedication to elevating service quality and improving user experience while striving for continued efficiency in traffic delivery.”
MEANWHILE, WhatsApp will be cancelling support for some iPhones and Android devices by May 2025.
WhatsApp remained a popular messaging app with approximately two billion monthly users, including Nigerians.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is making changes to WhatsApp’s compatibility with operating systems, meaning some older smartphones will not meet the necessary operating system requirements. The iPhones expected to be affected include models released in 2013 and 2014, such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus.
Also, Android phones unable to update to version 5.0 (Lollipop) or later will be affected. Some of the android phones include Samsung’s Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini; Motorola’s Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E 2014; HTC’s One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601, LG’s Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90; and Sony’s Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V.
WhatsApp stated in a statement that the changes are part of regular updates to ensure the app stays secure and functional while working with newer phones.
