Facebook-owned WhatsApp has announced that its messaging client for BlackBerry 10 is now in a “depreciation mode”, adding that users have two weeks to upgrade to a more modern device, before compatibility is ceased altogether.
The move has been a long time coming. Back in December 2016, WhatsApp revealed it would be discontinuing its platform for BlackBerry 10-powered devices from June 2017, though when the time came, it seemingly to extend its self-imposed deadline until the end of the year.
You’ll still be able to use WhatsApp for BlackBerry 10 like normal while it’s in the so-called depreciation mode. The only thing you won’t be able to do, however, is authenticate a new account – so if you happen to accidentally delete the application, best be believing it’s gone for good.
Related: What is WhatsApp and how to master your messaging
“After the grace period, which is scheduled to last for approximately two weeks, the application will go into “expired” mode,” explains WhatsApp in a statement issued on December 31, 2017. “At this point, it will stop functioning as a usable WhatsApp client, and thus will no longer connect to our servers.”
When quizzed by The Next Web about the future of messaging on BlackBerry 10 smartphones a little more than a year ago, WhatsApp recommended that customers upgrade their handset to a more recent model – but it’s safe to assume that’s not a viable solution for everyone.
What do you think about WhatsApp’s decision to discontinue its messaging platform on BlackBerry 10-powered units? Be sure to let us know your thoughts over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
