WhatsApp Will No Longer Support Older iPhones on June 1st

WhatsApp will no longer support iPhones running iOS versions lower than 15.1 as of June 1. A change to WhatsApp’s system requirements would prevent older handsets that are unable to update to iOS 15.1 from using the service.

New System Requirements Effective June 1

The upgrade, which was initially planned for May 5 but was postponed by over a month, is a component of a larger revision to WhatsApp’s system specifications. iOS 15.1 or later is now required for iPhone users to send and log in. Those using older iPhone devices running iOS 12.5.7 are instantly impacted.

Affected iPhone Models

WhatsApp will no longer function on iPhones that are unable to update to iOS 15.1 and Android devices that are less than version 5.0. The iPhone 5s, 6s, and 6 Plus are among them. In the meanwhile, only an iOS 15.8.4 upgrade will keep the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and original iPhone SE functional. According to Meta, removing support for out-of-date systems facilitates new functionality and enhances performance.

Transition Timeline

To check the software version on your iPhone, go to Settings, press General, and choose About. WhatsApp will stop working after June 1 if the version listed is less than 15.1. Those who are still using outdated iPhone models need to either update their device or remove the app.

In order to preserve security and implement improvements, Meta regularly phases off support for older operating systems. The business cautioned that maintaining support for devices running outdated software restricts its capacity to introduce new features including enhanced group controls, enhanced encryption protocols, and new status options.

What Users Should Do

To verify that Android 5.0 or later is installed, Android users should go to Settings > About Phone and check their system version. WhatsApp will not allow users to log in on any device running a version lower than Lollipop.

Future Outlook

WhatsApp originally changed its support pages to identify iOS 15.1 and Android 5.0 as the minimum system requirements on January 1, marking the start of the five-month notice period. In order to prevent service disruptions, users with older hardware have been advised to move to newer devices and backup their conversation history before June 1.

WhatsApp suggests looking into other messaging apps or moving to a compatible smartphone for users who are unable to upgrade. WhatsApp features like voice calls, video calls, text messaging, and status updates will be lost if users don’t follow the rules.

The most recent cutoff adheres to Meta’s strategy of discontinuing support for out-of-date operating systems approximately every two years. Similar adjustments are anticipated in 2027, when even more devices drop below the necessary software standards, according to the business.