Regularly, WhatsApp stops working on older phones. This move is part of its update cycle and results in ending support for older operating systems. As discovered by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is preparing a warning message for some iPhones. These are the affected devices and the deadline: WhatsApp has announced that starting from May 5, 2025, it will not work on devices with versions earlier than iOS 15.1, which directly affects some Apple phones that, although they continue to function normally, will not be able to access WhatsApp. Specifically, […]
Regularly, WhatsApp stops working on old phones. This move is part of its update cycle and results in dropping support for older operating systems. As discovered by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is preparing a warning message for some iPhones.
These are the affected devices and the deadline
WhatsApp has announced that as of May 5, 2025, it will not work on devices with versions earlier than iOS 15.1, which directly affects some Apple phones that, although they continue to function normally, will not be able to access WhatsApp. Specifically, we are talking about the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, which will no longer receive support from Facebook.
The main reason for this change is that the new features and updates of WhatsApp require the technologies offered by the latest versions of iOS. According to Apple’s data, only 9% of iPhones are running iOS 16 or earlier versions, so the impact of WhatsApp’s decision will be minimal.
We can check if we are on an iOS version compatible with WhatsApp. We just need to go to Settings > General > Software Update. If our device supports iOS 15.1 or later, the solution is as simple as updating the system.
For older models that can no longer be updated, the end of WhatsApp support marks a turning point. Although we can now rely on RCS to send messages to any device for free and without the need for third-party apps —as long as our carrier supports it—, it is true that some groups are still only available on the Facebook app.
The move by WhatsApp reminds us of the importance of keeping our devices up to date. In a dynamic ecosystem like Apple’s, these updates ensure that we continue to enjoy the best that technology can offer us.
Author: David Bernal Raspall
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