Starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on older iPhones running outdated versions of iOS, as the platform phases out support for these devices. This decision is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to improving user safety, especially as technology evolves and cybersecurity risks increase. The company is ending support for iOS versions that Apple no longer updates with essential security patches.
The following iPhone models will no longer be compatible with WhatsApp:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
These devices are not eligible for an upgrade to iOS 15.1, which will be the minimum requirement for using WhatsApp going forward. The highest iOS version available for these models is iOS 12.5.7, making them ineligible for continued support.
To keep using WhatsApp, you’ll need to switch to a more recent iPhone. Models like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X still support iOS 16 and remain compatible for now. However, as Apple has ended software updates for these devices, they may also lose WhatsApp support in the near future. For uninterrupted access, upgrading to a newer iPhone is recommended.
Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, has announced that starting May 5, 2025, the messaging app will only support iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later. This decision is part of their annual review process, which considers which devices are outdated, have limited usage, or lack essential security features and functionality to keep up with the app’s requirements.
Apple has already labeled the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus as “obsolete” — a term the company uses for products that haven’t been sold for over seven years. Once a device is marked obsolete, Apple halts all hardware services for it, and authorized service providers can no longer access replacement parts.