WhatsApp has declared it will discontinue support for several older mobile devices starting May 5, 2025. This decision affects iPhones and KaiOS feature phones that no longer meet the app’s operating system requirements.
Affected iPhones
For continued use of WhatsApp, iPhones will require iOS 15.1 or higher. Consequently, older iPhone models unable to upgrade beyond iOS 12.5.7 will lose access. The models impacted include the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. Despite the decreasing user base of these decade-old devices, the cessation will notably disrupt remaining users’ access to the messaging platform.
Affected KaiOS devices
Support for numerous feature phones running on KaiOS will end by February 2025. These phones are often used in regions where affordable smartphones are preferred. The affected models include JioPhone, JioPhone 2, and various Nokia devices such as the Nokia 800 Tough and Nokia 2720 Flip. This change is due to the incompatibility of KaiOS versions older than 3.0 with new WhatsApp updates.
General System Requirements
Post-May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will require Android devices to run at least Version 5.0 (Lollipop) and iPhones to run iOS 15.1 or newer. Devices with older operating systems will not receive updates, posing potential security risks.
WhatsApp periodically phases out support for outdated operating systems to introduce better features, enhance security, and improve performance. This approach helps ensure a consistent, efficient, and secure user experience and keeps pace with technological advancements.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐀𝐩𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is discontinuing support for some older iPhone models as of May 2025. The messaging app has updated its device compatibility list, requiring users to upgrade their… pic.twitter.com/8XAeTd0rka
— TechBuzzRecap (@TechBuzzRecap) December 2, 2024Users with the affected devices should consider upgrading to a compatible smartphone by May 5, 2025. WhatsApp advises iPhone users to update their devices to iOS 15.1 or later to maintain uninterrupted access to its services.
