Breathe
By Sofía Pérez Gasque
As of December 2024, many phones will lose the ability to use WhatsApp. The popular messaging app, which is currently essential for our daily communication, will no longer be compatible with devices that do not have at least Android 5.0 or iOS 12.0. Although this measure is taken mainly for security and optimization reasons, we cannot ignore the broader context: this is a clear sign of the current trends of technological consumerism, where users are constantly driven to update their devices, sometimes more by social and commercial pressure than by a real need.
WhatsApp, like many applications, is constantly evolving. Regular updates not only introduce new functionalities, but also reinforce security measures, which are vital in a digital world that is increasingly interconnected and vulnerable to cyber threats. To offer a smoother and more secure experience, the platform requires that the devices that use it have modern operating systems, those that incorporate the latest advances in encryption and security technology. Thus, as of January 2025, the application can only be used on phones with at least Android 5.0 or iOS 12.0.
Among the phone models that will be left out of this update are several older devices from brands such as Samsung, HTC, Nokia, LG and Apple, which will no longer receive software updates. Some of the most affected models include:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
- Nokia: Lumia 920, Lumia 1020
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
- Apple: iPhone 5, iPhone 5c
If your phone is on this list, you may soon be unable to use WhatsApp, forcing you to consider whether updating your device is an urgent necessity.
It is easy to think that the constant obsolescence of mobile devices is a purely technological measure, driven by the need to improve the user experience. However, in many cases, consumerism and commercial strategies play an important role in this process. Technology brands, aware of the speed with which new software versions leave older devices behind, push us to renew our devices much earlier than would really be necessary from a functional point of view.
The advancement of technology is a fascinating process, but it is also heavily driven by consumer trends. Companies, from handset manufacturers to application platforms, benefit enormously from the cycle of constant purchase and renewal. This strategy, known as planned obsolescence, is a common practice in the technology industry, where products are designed to become obsolete at a rate that often outpaces users' ability to keep their devices up to date.
As women, and especially as entrepreneurs, we find ourselves constantly immersed in an environment where having the latest model of phone or the most advanced technology seems almost an obligation to "be on the cutting edge". Social media reinforces this phenomenon: the newest devices, with their advanced features and capabilities, become symbols of status and efficiency. For women entrepreneurs, the use of advanced technology is not only related to convenience or the desire to be up to date, but to the perception of being modern, competent and capable of running a business in a digitized world.
But do we really need to update our phones every time a new version appears on the market? While security updates and new features are important, it's not always necessary to switch devices to keep up with the times. It is true that, in some cases, older models may become slow or not compatible with the latest versions of apps, but many times this is because phones have been designed to be replaced with each new generation.
For women entrepreneurs, this dynamic of constant consumption can be particularly challenging. We know that in business, especially in the digital world, competition is fierce, and having the latest technological tools can make all the difference. However, we must ask ourselves: is it necessary to keep up with the frenetic pace of technological consumerism, or can we adapt to a more conscious and sustainable approach?
Instead of renewing our device at the first sign that it is lagging behind, we can opt for alternatives such as updating our phone's operating system (if possible), keeping our applications up to date, or even exploring cheaper options that offer the same functionalities as more expensive models. A well-maintained and updated device can be sufficient for our needs, without falling into the pressure of consuming for the sake of consuming.
As entrepreneurs, we have a great opportunity to question these trends and make more conscious decisions about the use of technology. While digital security and connectivity are vital to the success of a business, we must not forget that excessive consumerism not only has an economic impact, but also an environmental one. Mobile devices, with their short life cycles and rapid obsolescence, contribute significantly to the increase in e-waste, an environmental problem that is receiving increasing attention globally.
Adopting a more responsible approach to technology does not mean giving up on innovation, but rather being more selective and conscious about when and why we upgrade our devices. As women entrepreneurs, we can lead the shift towards more sustainable and ethical consumption, where efficiency and practicality are more important than the constant search for the latest model.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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