Facebook is gearing up to discontinue support for its Messenger app for select devices. The company has sent out emails to users, stating that they would not be able to use the Messenger app if their device is unsupported.
Android and iOS users need not press the panic button, but those on Windows Phone 8.1-powered (or earlier) handsets stand to be affected the most.
Facebook confirmed the news in a blog post and shared that it had intimidated users of the app as well.
"We will be ending support for messaging in some older mobile app versions of Messenger and Facebook. We have proactively reached out to those affected and have also offered suggestions right in Messenger," announced the company.
When Will Facebook End Support For Messenger?
The support for Messenger will end by late March. Therefore, come April 1, users on select mobile app versions of the Messenger will not be able to peruse the service.
What Prompted This Decision?
Any app when updated brings new features and settings. Facebook revealed that with Messenger, the company introduced certain elements, which are not compatible with the older versions and may cause issues.
"Using older versions of apps means that experiences won't work well or sometimes not at all. As a result, we are asking people who are using older versions to upgrade so they can enjoy more of the delightful features of Messenger," revealed the company.
These steps are being taken so that users can access all the features that the Messenger app currently offers, sans any issues.
Users have been advised to update their Facebook and Messenger apps, along with any OS upgrades which may be available, to ensure that they continue using the messaging service.
Which Mobile App Versions Are Affected?
Select Android, iOS, and Windows versions of the Messenger app are impacted by the decision. Older versions of the app on Android and iOS devices would stop working by March end. For Android devices, Facebook has decided to end support for Messenger version 10, which was released in August 2014 and any version preceding it.
For Apple devices, Facebook will discontinue its messaging service for Messenger version 8, which released on July 2014, and preceding versions.
Here's a detailed look at which devices are affected.
Android
Facebook for Android version 55 and lower.
Messenger version 10 and lower.
iOS
Facebook for iPad version 26 and lower.
Messenger version 8 and lower.
Facebook for iOS (released in October 2011) and lower.
Windows
Messenger for Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.
Facebook for Windows Phone.
Facebook for Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 desktop app.
Windows Phone Troubles: After Skype, Facebook Messenger Gets Booted
Windows Phone-powered smartphone numbers have decreased drastically over the years. It is estimated that only 1 percent of global customers still use Windows smartphones.
Facebook's decision to end support for Messenger on all devices running on Windows Phone 8.1 or lower will come as a shock for users. Since most of these phones will not be updated to Windows 10 Mobile, consumers would have no other choice but to change their device if they wish to keep using Messenger.
Earlier, Skype support was also discontinued on older Windows-based smartphones, which reflects that the OS is nearing its end.
