WhatsApp is greyed out on older MacBook macOS versions

I cannot update whatsapp as the latest version requires v.11 or above (mine is 10.15.7). I can continue using WhatsApp whilst showing up in grey, but is there a way of fixing this?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 9, 2023 12:48 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Nov 13, 2023 1:55 PM

Planned obsolescence: It's the American way.

Create machines, make them a vital part of your daily life, then force you to continually upgrade a perfectly good piece of equipment in order for it to continue to function by not releasing versions of new software compatible with old equipment.


The Macbook is a well-made computer. I take care of my things, so mine (mid-2012) is in good shape. There is no reason to replace it, other than the fact that the processor won't support newer versions of OSX and the associated apps.


I guess Macs are made for people who would rather poison the planet and further exploit child labour to have the latest thing. Oh, well.

37 replies

Nov 13, 2023 5:27 PM in response to guillem254

That's amazing - keep it going !!


Mine (that died during "updating") was a macbook c.2008. After the trauma, I avoided mac for a very long time.

I bought my current macbook (air) during lockdown, as it was easy to buy (without having to go to store, spec and pricing is standardised). But yes I will look into updating (when I'm ready to face it, and once I've saved EVERYTHING) as suggested.


Dec 15, 2023 7:16 AM in response to GrantusM

That's exactly right, Planned obsolence. And it is not even foreseeable. When I had to replace my iPhone 7 last year (works seamlessly well with my 2012 MacBook) I checked with what rhythm iOS and its updates to models was supported. It seemed very calculable. Following previous years, in 2022 the iPhone 7 would have been "eligible candidate" for iOS 16 as a last time update. So I bought it.

But yeah, September came, and bummer, nah, didn't happen. Same with WhatsApp and Catalina now. Will see if I have an older version of it via Time Machine. THANK you for posting!! Have a good one.

Dec 30, 2023 7:11 PM in response to CMCMCM3

I tried using my backed up version of the installer and the app. Both failed, when the app starts it asks to upgrade to latest WhatsApp version. So, technically they have kicked all of us out!!! Recently I started noticing some images like .webp are also not working in Safari. Apple is forcing us to buy a new hardware by shutting down these features.

Feb 18, 2024 7:19 AM in response to toramanan

I installed the so far working version (whatsapp-desktop-2-2349-51.dmg) on 10.15.7, and when its now started, it automatically updates itself. To a version which requires Mac OS 12 ! That is pretty stupid, that it does not know that the new version would not run on my machine. Todays programmers are just a joke.


So I have a decent machine and completely working fine, but because that chicken and egg problem, that I am unable to upgrade the OSX version on it, or unable to downgrade the APP version, I am being the one who gets the harm. This nonsense has to stop!

Mar 12, 2024 10:44 AM in response to rzsn

If you only use applications from vendors who promise never to require a higher version of the operating system, I suspect you will find that there are NO vendors willing to make that promise.


Even people involved with Open Source applications that often support very old operating systems eventually move on. E.g., last year, there was a current version of LibreOffice that ran on High Sierra; now the current version requires at least Catalina.

WhatsApp is greyed out on older MacBook macOS versions

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.