Starting June 1, WhatsApp has stopped working on several older iPhone and Android smartphones. This move follows an update to WhatsApp’s minimum system requirements, which was originally scheduled for May 5 but delayed to allow users more time to prepare.
The update targets outdated devices that can no longer meet the software standards required for WhatsApp’s functionality and security.
iPhone Models Affected
iPhone users now need to have devices running iOS 15.1 or later to continue using WhatsApp. As a result, the following models, which cannot be upgraded beyond iOS 12.5.7, are no longer supported:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
However, users with the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE are not affected, as these models can still run iOS 15.8.4 and remain compatible with WhatsApp for the time being.
Android Devices Affected
Android users with smartphones operating on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or earlier will also lose access to WhatsApp. Some of the devices impacted include:
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- HTC One X
- Sony Xperia Z
Due to the highly fragmented Android ecosystem, the list of affected devices may vary by region and manufacturer, but the core requirement remains: the device must run at least Android 5.1 to continue supporting WhatsApp.
Why This Is Happening
WhatsApp regularly updates its system requirements to take advantage of newer software capabilities, improve app performance, and ensure better user security.
Older smartphones often lack the necessary hardware to support these updates, making it impractical for WhatsApp to continue offering support.
What Users Should Do
If your phone is on the list of unsupported devices, you’re advised to:
- Upgrade to a newer device that runs the latest operating system.
- Consider alternative messaging apps that still support your current phone.
- Back up your chat history to avoid losing important conversations during the transition.
By upgrading or switching apps and backing up data, users can continue to enjoy secure and uninterrupted messaging services without disruption.
