Beginning this Sunday, June 1, 2025, WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging platform, will cease assist for a number of older smartphone fashions as a part of its routine replace cycle. This modification, initially scheduled for Could 5, 2025, was delayed by a number of weeks to permit customers extra time to organize. The replace raises the app’s minimal system necessities, rendering it incompatible with sure legacy units.
Listing of iPhones WhatsApp will cease engaged on
WhatsApp would require iOS 15.1 or later for iPhones and Android 5.1 or larger for Android units. In consequence, the next iPhone fashions will now not assist WhatsApp:* iPhone 5s* iPhone 6* iPhone 6 PlusThese fashions are restricted to iOS variations under 15.1, making them incompatible with the up to date app. Nevertheless, some experiences have mistakenly included the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE (1st era) within the affected listing. These units can run iOS 15.8.4, the newest supported model for them, and will stay suitable with WhatsApp till a future replace raises necessities once more, probably not for an additional one to 2 years.
Android smartphones that can lose WhatsApp assist from June 1
On the Android facet, units working Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or earlier may even lose assist. This contains older fashions just like the Samsung Galaxy S3, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia Z, although particular Android mannequin lists fluctuate because of the platform’s fragmentation.
Why WhatsApp will cease engaged on these units
WhatsApp periodically updates its minimal necessities to leverage newer working system options, improve safety, and optimize efficiency. Older units, usually restricted by {hardware} constraints, battle to assist fashionable app functionalities like end-to-end encryption, video calling, or new interface components. By dropping assist for outdated programs, WhatsApp ensures a constant person expertise throughout its roughly 3 billion international customers.
What customers of smartphones on which WhatsApp will cease working can do
In case you or somebody you already know makes use of an affected system, listed below are your choices:* Improve the Gadget: Switching to a more recent smartphone supporting iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1 (or later) will guarantee continued entry to WhatsApp. Price range-friendly choices just like the iPhone SE (2nd or third era) or mid-range Android units are extensively accessible.* Replace iOS (if doable): For units just like the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, or SE (1st gen), make sure the system is up to date to iOS 15.8.4 through Settings > Common > Software program Replace to keep up compatibility.* Swap to Options: Different messaging apps like Telegram or Sign should assist older units, although their person bases are smaller. Verify their respective app shops for compatibility.* Backup Chats: Earlier than shedding entry, again up WhatsApp conversations to iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android) to switch them to a brand new system. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to safe your information.This modification aligns with trade tendencies, as apps more and more part out assist for older programs. Apple’s personal information from 2024 signifies that solely about 5% of lively iPhones run iOS 15 or earlier, suggesting restricted influence in developed markets. Nevertheless, customers in areas with slower system turnover could face challenges. WhatsApp has suggested affected customers to improve units by June 1, 2025, to keep away from service disruptions.For extra particulars, go to WhatsApp’s official assist web page or examine your system’s compatibility within the App Retailer or Google Play Retailer. In case you’re not sure about your system’s standing, you may confirm its iOS model beneath Settings > Common > About on iPhone or Settings > About Cellphone on Android.