Starting this Sunday, June 1, 2025, WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging platform, will stop support for several older smartphone models as part of its routine update cycle. This change, initially scheduled for May 5, 2025, was delayed by a few weeks to allow users additional time to prepare. The update raises the app’s minimum system requirements, rendering it incompatible with certain legacy devices.
List of iPhones WhatsApp will stop working on
WhatsApp will require iOS 15.1 or later for iPhones and Android 5.1 or higher for Android devices. As a result, the following iPhone models will no longer support WhatsApp:* iPhone 5s* iPhone 6* iPhone 6 PlusThese models are limited to iOS versions below 15.1, making them incompatible with the updated app. However, some reports have mistakenly included the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE (1st generation) in the affected list. These devices can run iOS 15.8.4, the latest supported version for them, and should remain compatible with WhatsApp until a future update raises requirements again, likely not for another one to two years.
Android smartphones that will lose WhatsApp support from June 1
On the Android side, devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or earlier will also lose support. This includes older models like the Samsung Galaxy S3, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia Z, though specific Android model lists vary due to the platform’s fragmentation.
Why WhatsApp will stop working on these devices
WhatsApp periodically updates its minimum requirements to leverage newer operating system features, enhance security, and optimize performance. Older devices, often limited by hardware constraints, struggle to support modern app functionalities like end-to-end encryption, video calling, or new interface elements. By dropping support for outdated systems, WhatsApp ensures a consistent user experience across its approximately 3 billion global users.
What users of smartphones on which WhatsApp will stop working can do
If you or someone you know uses an affected device, here are your options:* Upgrade the Device: Switching to a newer smartphone supporting iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1 (or later) will ensure continued access to WhatsApp. Budget-friendly options like the iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation) or mid-range Android devices are widely available.* Update iOS (if possible): For devices like the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, or SE (1st gen), ensure the device is updated to iOS 15.8.4 via Settings > General > Software Update to maintain compatibility.* Switch to Alternatives: Other messaging apps like Telegram or Signal may still support older devices, though their user bases are smaller. Check their respective app stores for compatibility.* Backup Chats: Before losing access, back up WhatsApp conversations to iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android) to transfer them to a new device. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to secure your data.This change aligns with industry trends, as apps increasingly phase out support for older systems. Apple’s own data from 2024 indicates that only about 5% of active iPhones run iOS 15 or earlier, suggesting limited impact in developed markets. However, users in regions with slower device turnover may face challenges. WhatsApp has advised affected users to upgrade devices by June 1, 2025, to avoid service disruptions.For more details, visit WhatsApp’s official support page or check your device’s compatibility in the App Store or Google Play Store. If you’re unsure about your device’s status, you can verify its iOS version under Settings > General > About on iPhone or Settings > About Phone on Android.
