WhatsApp has already revealed that some phones will soon be left without access to its popular messaging app service.
Those using Windows devices will find there’s not support for WhatsApp after December 31, 2019 and will be closely followed by Android versions 2.3.7 or iPhone’s running anything older than iOS 7 – with that block coming into force from February 1, 2020.
Now it seems more phones could face a lack of access to WhatsApp.
Facebook, who now owns the popular messaging service, has confirmed to Reuters that it will no longer allow Huawei to pre-install any of its apps on their smartphones.
This block, which is due to a US government blacklisting, includes Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.
Although Huawei users can currently get around this ban by simply heading to the Google Play Store, things might not be so easy in the future.
Google has also been forced to ban Huawei from any future Android updates with the US firm recently confirming that it would no longer provide Android software for Huawei phones after a 90-day reprieve granted by the U.S. government expires in August.
If Google and Facebook continue their blocks it may mean Huawei owners face a phone that won’t be able to access any of these services.
With no Android operating installed, Huawei smartphones won’t have the ability to use the Google Play Store and without Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram pre-installed that’s a major problem.
Huawei has said it was prepared for the US action and vowed to work around any disruptions.
However, the blocks do appear to be hitting consumer confidence with customers at stores in Europe and Asia telling Reuters that they are reluctant to buy Huawei phones in the face of uncertainties.
Analysts have also said they expect a dramatic drop in Huawei smartphone sales.
Although Huawei is yet to comment on this latest block they have spoken about Google’s ban.
In a statement, the Chinese technology firm said: “Huawei has made substantial contributions to the development and growth of Android around the world.
“As one of Android’s key global partners, we have worked closely with their open-source platform to develop an ecosystem that has benefitted both users and the industry.
“Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products covering those have been sold or still in stock globally.
“We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally.”
Source: Read Full Article