WhatsApp to cut off BlackBerry users by the end of 2016

The purge includes BlackBerry 10, the latest version of the company's flagship operating system. BlackBerry 10 — built atop the QNX realtime platform — was released just three years ago, but failed to boost flagging sales.

In addition to BlackBerry, WhatsApp will end-of-life support for Nokia S40 and Symbian S60, Android 2.1 and 2.2, and Windows Phone 7.1.

"This was a tough decision for us to make, but the right one in order to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones using WhatsApp," the company said in a release. "If you use one of these affected mobile devices, we recommend upgrading to a newer Android, iPhone, or Windows Phone before the end of 2016 to continue using WhatsApp."

Earlier in the day, WhatsApp updated its iOS client with new sharing and customization features. The media browser was redesigned, new options added for chat display, and users can now share videos and photos from outside sources like Dropbox.

WhatsApp version 2.12.14 is available now as a free download from the App Store.