ARK is upgrading to Core v2.6.
The only requirement is to update the ARK Desktop Wallet/ARK Mobile Wallet to the latest version (will be released around the time Core v2.6 goes out) in order for you to continue to interact with the ARK blockchain. Just keep an eye out on the notification in the Desktop Wallet/Mobile Wallet when an update becomes available or follow our blog/social media."
I checked my ARK wallet and I was last paid on the 9th of February. I am now downloading the latest wallet. Do I always need the latest wallet downloaded to continue getting rewards?
This posted within the post just above seems to answer my question: " The current Desktop Wallet version is 2.8.1, any wallet below 2.8 is no longer compatible with the ARK blockchain due to the recent network upgrades including schnorr multisigs, multipayments, nonces and more. You don't have to upgrade your wallet if you don't want to, you wont lose your ARK, you just won't be able to interact with it or the network."
You need the new wallet to interact with the network. If you want to send cons for example... You are still receiving rewards, you just can't see it because the old wallet cannot connect to the new network.