If you’re using an older iPhone, it might be time for you to consider an upgrade—especially if you rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch. Starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on certain iPhones that are still running older versions of iOS.
The messaging app says it will only support iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later. That means if your phone hasn’t been updated—or can’t be updated—you’ll lose access to WhatsApp completely.
Which iPhones are affected?
The devices that will no longer support WhatsApp include:
--iPhone 5s
--iPhone 6
--iPhone 6 Plus
These phones are already considered obsolete by Apple, meaning they don’t receive any software updates or repairs anymore. Without regular security patches, they become easier targets for cyber threats—which is one of the main reasons WhatsApp is cutting them off.
WhatsApp Business users, take note
The change doesn’t just affect regular users. If you’re using WhatsApp Business on an old iPhone, you’ll also need to upgrade your device to keep accessing those tools.
Why this is happening
WhatsApp says it reviews its supported devices regularly and drops older ones to improve security and make room for new features. “Devices and software change often,” the company said in an updated FAQ, adding that older phones often don’t have the functionality needed for newer versions of the app.
What can you do?
If your phone is on the list, you’ll need to upgrade to a newer iPhone to keep using WhatsApp. Models like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X will still work for now—but since they’ve also stopped receiving major updates, they might not be supported for long either.
So, if WhatsApp is your lifeline, it might be worth thinking ahead.
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