WhatsApp users with older iPhone models will need to upgrade their devices to continue using the popular messaging app. A future update, expected in May 2025, will drop support for iPhones running iOS versions older than iOS 15.1.
This means that WhatsApp will no longer function on the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
Similarly, the WhatsApp beta for iPad will also drop support for older iPad models, including the first-generation iPad Air and the iPad mini 2 and 3.
This decision to end support for older devices is common among app developers. It allows them to focus on optimizing their apps for newer operating systems and technologies, ensuring a better user experience for the majority of users.
According to Apple, only a small percentage of iPhones are currently running versions older than iOS 16. This suggests that the impact of this change will be limited to a relatively small number of users.
If you have one of the affected iPhone or iPad models, updating to a newer device will be necessary to continue using WhatsApp after the May 2025 update.
