Home WhatsApp to end support for older iPhones – check if yours is affected

WhatsApp to end support for older iPhones – check if yours is affected

TLDR

  • WhatsApp will stop working on iPhone 5s, 6, and 6s as they can't run iOS 15.1 or newer by May.
  • The update affects older iPads like the first-gen iPad Air and iPad mini 2 and 3 as well.
  • Users are advised to upgrade their devices or explore alternatives to continue using WhatsApp.

If you’re using an older iPhone, you may find that WhatsApp will not work on your device much longer. According to WABetaInfo, a warning message has started appearing for some users, letting them know their device will soon lose access to the popular chat app.

The message reads: “WhatsApp will no longer support versions prior to iOS 15.1. This change applies to both the standard WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, as both apps share the same underlying code and system requirements.”

Which iPhones will not support WhatsApp?

This affects three specific iPhones including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6s. These models are all at least 10 years old—the 5s launched in 2013, while the 6 and 6s came out in 2014. Unfortunately, these devices can’t run the iOS 18 software that WhatsApp will soon require. So, when next May rolls around, WhatsApp will stop working on these iPhones.

In a statement, WABetaInfo adds: “Currently, WhatsApp supports iOS 12 and later, but with a future update, the app will require iOS 15.1 or newer to work properly. To help affected users adapt to this change, WhatsApp is providing a five-month notice period, giving them ample time to update their devices if possible or consider alternatives if their hardware does not support newer iOS versions.”

It’s not just iPhones that will be impacted. As 9to5Mac points out, WhatsApp still doesn’t have a proper iPad app—there’s only a beta version available through Apple’s TestFlight. With this upcoming update, the first-gen iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3 will also lose support. These older tablets can’t run iOS versions beyond 15.1, so they’ll be left behind as well.

Some social media users have already noticed the issue, and have taken to X to air their grievances. One person said: “Is WhatsApp trying to force us to buy/upgrade iPhones or what???,” while another added that it was forcing off the platform.

If you’re using one of these devices, now might be the time to consider an upgrade to keep enjoying WhatsApp without interruptions.

Featured image: Canva

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Suswati Basu
Tech journalist

Suswati Basu is a multilingual, award-winning editor and the founder of the intersectional literature channel, How To Be Books. She was shortlisted for the Guardian Mary Stott Prize and longlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Award. With 18 years of experience in the media industry, Suswati has held significant roles such as head of audience and deputy editor for NationalWorld news, digital editor for Channel 4 News and ITV News. She has also contributed to the Guardian and received training at the BBC As an audience, trends, and SEO specialist, she has participated in panel events alongside Google. Her…

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