WhatsApp Ends Support for Older iPhones

If you’re still holding onto an older iPhone, heads up—WhatsApp has officially ended support for certain aging models. WhatsApp announced that as of June 1, 2025, it would no longer support iPhones running iOS versions older than 15.1. This change (initially planned for May 5 but delayed a few weeks) means the popular messaging app will stop working on several legacy iPhones unless they’re updated or upgraded . Below we’ll break down which iPhone models are affected, why WhatsApp is making this move, and what you can do about it.

When Did WhatsApp Announce the Change?

Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) confirmed the end-of-support timeframe in early 2025. The cutoff took effect on June 1, 2025. Originally slated for May, the date was pushed back to give users a bit more time to prepare. So as of June 1, if your iPhone can’t run at least iOS 15.1, WhatsApp will no longer function on that device. This decision came as part of WhatsApp’s regular update cycle to raise its minimum requirements for supported operating systems.

Which iPhone Models Are Affected?

Wondering if your device is on the list? Only a handful of older iPhones are impacted – specifically those that cannot upgrade to iOS 15.1 or later. WhatsApp is now incompatible with the following models:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

These iPhones, released in 2013–2014, are capped at older iOS versions (iOS 12 in fact) and cannot run the newer iOS 15.1 required by WhatsApp. Good news: Newer models like the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and original iPhone SE are safe for now, since they can be updated to iOS 15.8 (the latest available for those devices). In short, if your iPhone was released in late 2015 or later and you’ve kept it updated, you should still be able to use WhatsApp.

Why Is WhatsApp Dropping Support for Old iPhones?

This move might feel frustrating, but it’s a common practice for app developers. Every year, WhatsApp reviews which devices and iOS versions are the oldest and have the fewest users. . Maintaining support for very old systems can hold back new features and security improvements. Older iPhones also lack the latest security updates and may not have the necessary functionality to run WhatsApp’s newer features. By focusing on newer iOS versions, WhatsApp can leverage improved security and performance features of modern iPhones.. In essence, dropping support for out-of-date iPhones helps WhatsApp enhance the app for the vast majority of users who are on newer devices and iOS versions.

What Should Users Do Now?

If you or someone you know uses one of these older iPhones for WhatsApp, here are some tech-savvy suggestions to stay connected:

• Update or Upgrade Your iPhone: First, check if your device can be updated to a newer iOS. (For example, iPhone 6s can go up to iOS 15.8.4.) If an iOS update isn’t possible because of hardware limitations, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer iPhone model that supports the latest iOS. This ensures you can continue using WhatsApp and other apps securely.
• Back Up Your Chats: Before switching devices, back up your WhatsApp chat history to iCloud or locally. That way you can restore your messages on a new iPhone without losing any important conversations or. media. WhatsApp even offers a built-in Chat Transfer feature to make moving from an old iPhone to a new one seamless.
• Use WhatsApp Web (Short-Term Fix): If you can’t immediately get a new phone, one workaround is to use WhatsApp Web in your iPhone’s browser to send/receive messages. Keep in mind, this is a stop-gap solution – it requires your phone to be connected to the internet, and the experience isn’t as smooth as the mobile app (for example, no push notifications)macrumors.com.
• Consider Alternative Messaging Apps: As a last resort, you could switch to other messaging services that might still support your older iOS version. Apps like Telegram or Signal may have lower requirements for now, or you can fall back to traditional SMS/iMessage for basic communication. However, persuading all your contacts to move platforms can be challenging. In general, upgrading your device will be the most straightforward solution.

Upgrade Ready? Don’t Forget Your Accessories

If you decide to upgrade to a newer iPhone to keep WhatsApp running, it’s also a great time to treat yourself to quality accessories that complement your new device. Modern iPhones (like the iPhone 14, 15, and the latest 16 series) support advanced features like MagSafe, so you’ll want cases and gear that take full advantage:

• Protective Cases for New iPhones: Keep your shiny new phone safe! Casestody offers a wide range of stylish, durable cases for the latest models – check out our collections for iPhone 14 cases, iPhone 15 cases, and iPhone 16 cases. These cases are MagSafe-compatible (with built-in magnetic rings), meaning you can snap on MagSafe chargers, wallets, and mounts seamlessly. They’ll not only show off your style but also support the cool magnetic accessories that newer iPhones can use.
• MagSafe Chargers and Accessories: Speaking of magnetic add-ons, consider investing in a MagSafe wireless charger or car mount for convenient charging and use on the go. With a MagSafe-compatible case from Casestody, using MagSafe chargers is a snap (literally). No more fiddl
• ing with cables – just pop your iPhone onto a magnetic charging pad or stand and let it juice up. There are also MagSafe wallet attachments and kickstands available that work great with our cases, adding extra functionality to your device.

By upgrading to a supported iPhone and outfitting it with the right accessories, you’ll ensure you can continue chatting on WhatsApp without interruption. Plus, you’ll enjoy the benefits of newer technology – from better security to faster performance and a whole ecosystem of handy add-ons.

FINAL THOUGHT

While “WhatsApp ends support for older iPhones” might sound alarming, it ultimately nudges users toward a more secure and up-to-date experience. If your iPhone 5s or 6 was your WhatsApp buddy, now’s the perfect time to move on to a newer device. Upgrade smartly, back up your data, and stay connected. And if you need a new case or accessory for that iPhone 14/15/16, you know where to find us! Stay tuned to WhatsApp’s official support page for the latest info on device compatibility, and happy messaging on your newer, supported iPhone.