WhatsApp Compatibility Update: WhatsApp will soon stop working on a range of older iPhones and Android devices that no longer meet the app’s updated system requirements. Starting June 1, 2025, the Meta-owned messaging platform will raise its minimum operating system standards, ending support for smartphones running outdated software versions.
This move is part of WhatsApp’s routine updates to maintain compatibility, improve security, and deliver new features more efficiently. However, it also means some long-time users will need to upgrade their devices to keep using the popular app.
Minimum Requirements for WhatsApp After June 2025
To continue using WhatsApp, iPhone users must be running iOS 15.1 or later, while Android users need devices running Android 5.1 (Lollipop) or newer. Any phone using an older version of these operating systems will no longer be able to send messages, make calls, or use other WhatsApp functions after the deadline.
iPhones Losing Support: WhatsApp Compatibility Update
The following iPhone models will be affected:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These devices cannot be updated to iOS 15.1, making them ineligible for future WhatsApp use. However, iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and iPhone SE (1st generation) will remain compatible, as they can still receive the required software update.
Android Phones That Will No Longer Support WhatsApp
Several Android models will also lose access, including:
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3
- Sony Xperia Z1
- LG G2
- Huawei Ascend P6
- Moto G (1st Gen)
- HTC One X
Essentially, any smartphone running Android 5.0 or earlier will not be supported. Users of these devices will see WhatsApp gradually stop functioning after the new requirements take effect.
How to Check Your Phone’s Software Version
It’s easy to find out whether your phone meets the updated requirements:
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > General > Information > iOS Version
On Android:
Go to Settings > About Phone > Android Version
Knowing your device’s OS version ensures that you can continue using WhatsApp without interruptions once the update rolls out.
Why WhatsApp Is Ending Support for Older Devices
Every year, WhatsApp reviews its system requirements to keep the platform secure and efficient. Meta explained that older devices often:
- No longer receive critical security updates from Apple or Google.
- Have limited hardware capabilities that prevent newer features from running smoothly.
- Represent a small percentage of active users, making it impractical to maintain full support.
By phasing out older models, WhatsApp can focus on optimizing performance, strengthening privacy protections, and delivering new features that depend on modern hardware and software.
What Users Can Do Next
If your phone is among those losing support, there are a few options:
- Update your software – If your device supports iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1, install the latest update immediately.
- Upgrade your device – Consider moving to a newer smartphone that supports the latest operating systems.
- Back up your chats – Before losing access, make sure your WhatsApp data is safely backed up to iCloud or Google Drive. This way, you can restore your chats on your new device seamlessly.
The Bigger Picture
While it may inconvenience users of older smartphones, this change aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and platform reliability. Similar to other major apps, such as YouTube and Gmail, WhatsApp routinely discontinues support for legacy systems to focus on newer technologies.
As WhatsApp continues to roll out advanced features like passkey authentication, AI-powered chat tools, and enhanced media sharing, maintaining compatibility with outdated devices becomes increasingly difficult.
By June 2025, millions of users will have to ensure their devices are up to date — or risk losing access to one of the world’s most popular messaging services.
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