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Millions of Russians Face Loss of WhatsApp Access in May

Meta Corporation, connoted as an extremist entity in Russia due to its ownership of the widely-used messaging app WhatsApp, declared the discontinuation of technical assistance for specific older smartphone models commencing from May 17, 2025. This move has instigated apprehension among Russian...

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Meta, the corporation behind WhatsApp, a well-known messaging platform, has declared an end to...
Meta, the corporation behind WhatsApp, a well-known messaging platform, has declared an end to support for certain older mobile devices commencing May 17, 2025. This move has ignited apprehension among Russians, due to its significant impact on numerous users within their territory.

Millions of Russians Face Loss of WhatsApp Access in May

Here's a fresh take on the article:

Title: Say Goodbye to WhatsApp? Alternative Messaging Apps to Consider After May 2025

The Lowdown:

Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, has decided to discontinue support for certain outdated smartphone models starting from May 17, 2025. This move has left millions of users, primarily Android and iPhone owners, in a pickle. To help you navigate this change, we've rounded up some popular messaging apps that could be worth your time.

Why WhatsApp's Leaving?

The main reason is security and the integration of new features that don't play nicely with outdated operating systems. If you don't take action, you might lose access to your chats and contacts forever.

Sayonara, KitKat (And Other Android Phones):

WhatsApp is bidding farewell to devices running Android 4.4 KitKat and older starting from March 29, 2025. This means popular phones like the Samsung Galaxy S3, Note 2, and Ace 3, Motorola Moto G and E first generations, HTC One X and One X+, Desire 500 and 601, as well as several LG, Nexus, and old Sony Xperia devices will no longer be supported.

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, It's Been Nice:

Apple users won't be able to enjoy WhatsApp on iPhone 6 and 6 Plus starting from May 5, 2025, due to these devices' inability to install iOS versions 15.1 and above.

But Fear Not, Dear User! Alternatives Await:

While you might be grieving, there's no need to despair. Here are several messaging apps that offer different features, security levels, and platform compatibility:

1. Telegram:- Known worldwide for its 900 million active monthly users and speedy service.- Features include encrypted messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and public groups.- Compatible with both Android and iPhone devices.

2. Signal:- Famous for its emphasis on privacy and security, with end-to-end encryption by default.- Open-source code means it's publicly auditable.- Accessible on Android and iPhone.

3. Viber:- Offers encrypted messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and file sharing.- Allows free Viber-to-Viber communication and affordable international calls to landlines and mobiles.- Available on both Android and iPhone.

4. Threema:- Prioritizes anonymous usage, using a random ID instead of phone numbers or emails.- Features encrypted messaging, calls, and file sharing.- One-time purchase fee and no ads or data mining.- Available on Android and iPhone.

5. Wire:- Offers end-to-end encryption and fully open-source software.- Conversations aren't stored on servers after delivery.- Supports messaging, calls, and file sharing.- Accessible on both Android and iPhone.

6. iMessage (Apple Messages):- Pre-installed on iPhones and Mac devices.- Features end-to-end encryption, text, media sharing, voice memos, video calls, and group chats.- Synchronizes seamlessly with Apple devices, but not available on Android.

Making a Swift Exit:

Before ditcheing your old device, first, check if its software can be updated. If it can't, consider buying a new one. Don't forget to create a backup of your chats via Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhone to prevent them from disappearing.

*Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of WhatsApp, has been recognized as an extremist organization and is banned in Russia.

So, What's Your Move?

With these alternatives at your fingertips, you're all set to move beyond WhatsApp. Choose the app that best fits your needs—whether you prioritize security, platform compatibility, or international calling features.

  1. To prevent losing access to chats and contacts, users of old smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S3, Note 2, and Ace 3, among others, should consider alternative messaging apps, such as Telegram, Signal, Viber, Threema, Wire, or iMessage (Apple Messages), if they cannot update their devices' software.
  2. A potential alternative to WhatsApp for Android users is Telegram, which boasts 900 million active monthly users and offers speedy service, encrypted messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and public groups.
  3. For those prioritizing privacy and security, Signal could be a suitable alternative, with features like end-to-end encryption and an open-source code that allows it to be publicly audited.
  4. For users who engage in international calling frequently, Viber might be a better choice, as it offers free communication between Viber users and affordable international calls to landlines and mobiles, in addition to encrypted messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and file sharing.

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