If you’re still using a Windows Phone 8.1 today, you should be aware that Microsoft will end mainstream support for the mobile OS tomorrow, July 11. This won’t really change anything for consumers, as the OS received its last update two years ago. However, if your handset is eligible for the Windows 10 Mobile Update, you should really consider doing it as the newer OS has a better native apps and a slightly richer app store.
According to AdDuplex’s latest data, 73.9% of Windows phones worldwide are still running Windows Phone 8.1: this is because very few phones were eligibible for the Windows 10 Mobile update in the first place, and Microsoft also never promoted the update to those users (Windows Phone 8.1 users still have to download the Upgrade Advisor app to update to Windows 10 Mobile). Windows Phone 8.1 is still a fine OS, but the app situation will likely get worse in the coming months: even Microsoft’s own Skype app has stopped working on Windows Phone 8.1 handsets earlier this month, and you can’t expect other developers to put more effort into supporting the OS going forward.
Do you still use a Windows Phone 8.1 handset as your daily driver? If so, let us know in the comments if you plan to keep using or switch to a Windows 10 Mobile phone (or another mobile platform).
