WhatsApp Ends Support for Older iPhones and Android Devices

WhatsApp has officially stopped working on several older iPhone models as of June 1, following its decision to raise the minimum iOS requirement to version 15.1, according to WABetaInfo. iPhones that cannot update to iOS 15.1, such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, are no longer supported.

Users with iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and the first-gen iPhone SE must update to iOS 15.8.4 to retain access. To check your software version, go to Settings > General > About. WhatsApp had originally planned the change for May 5 but delayed it by nearly a month, offering a five-month notice period that began on January 1.

Android phones running below Android 5.0 (Lollipop) are also now incompatible. Users can check their system version via Settings > About Phone.

Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, says ending support for outdated software allows it to improve performance and add features like stronger encryption and advanced group tools. Users who can’t upgrade are advised to switch to newer devices or consider alternative messaging platforms to avoid losing access to messages and calls. Meta typically enforces these cutoffs every two years, with the next expected around 2027.