WhatsApp recently announced that it will soon discontinue support for older iOS versions and a few iPhone models, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus.
In Short
- WhatsApp will discontinue its services to older iOS versions
- iPhones below iOS 15.1 will not be able to use WhatsApp
- The change will come into effect in May 2025
WhatsApp has become India’s most popular messaging application for the last decade. It was not just Android users; the platform was also highly used among iOS users. Since its popularity, the platform has also been improving and updating itself. WhatsApp has ensured compatibility with various iOS versions, allowing users on different iPhone models to continue using the app without issues. By maintaining support for older iOS versions, WhatsApp has offered its features to numerous users. This strategy was driven by providing new features and updates to as many people as possible. However, to stay aligned with the latest technological advancements and enhance the overall user experience, WhatsApp is now considering ending support for specific older iOS versions.
In the latest notification, reported by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has recently announced the platform will be ending support for users on older iOS versions in 2025. Specifically, users with iOS versions older than 15.1 will no longer be able to access the app, even if they try to use a previous beta version through TestFlight. Currently, WhatsApp supports iOS 12 and later, but with the upcoming update, the app will require at least iOS 15.1 for optimal functionality. To ensure users have ample time to adjust, WhatsApp offers a five-month notice period, allowing them to update their devices or explore alternatives if their hardware doesn’t support newer iOS versions. This means that the update will take place in May 2025.
This decision is primarily driven by the need to use updated APIs and technologies introduced in newer iOS releases. These advancements enable WhatsApp to deliver better performance, introduce new features, and ensure a smoother user experience. Some features and optimisations available in newer iOS versions, such as iOS 15, depend on APIs that older iOS releases simply don’t support. By discontinuing support for outdated versions, WhatsApp can focus on enhancing its app’s performance and introducing features that wouldn’t be possible with legacy operating systems.
According to the WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp has likely analysed user data and found that the number of people using older iOS versions is relatively small. This allows the company to prioritise most of its users, ensuring a better overall experience for those with newer iOS versions while minimising the impact on those who still rely on older devices.
The upcoming change will mainly affect iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus users, as these models only support up to iOS 12.5.7. These devices were released over a decade ago, and it is expected that only a small portion of WhatsApp users are still on these devices. For users with newer iPhones, those running iOS versions below 15.1 will still be able to update to the latest release and continue using WhatsApp without issue. To update your device, go to the phone’s Settings and click on General. In this option, you will find a “Software update” option. Check is your device is up-to-date or not. If not, you must update it.
This change, set to take effect on May 5, 2025, will apply to both the standard WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, as both share the same underlying system requirements. Android users will not be affected by this update. If you use an older iOS version, you should update your device or switch to a newer iPhone model to continue using WhatsApp.
