iPhone users, WhatsApp Ends Support for These Old Models. Is Yours on the List?

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WhatsApp Ends Support for Older iPhones: What You Need to Know

If you are an iPhone user who heavily depends on the messaging service to communicate daily, it’s about time you checked your ios version. From May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will not function on iPhones with ios 15.1 or older. This is in line with WhatsApp’s efforts to keep up with new technology developments and to concentrate on modern operating systems in order to further improve the security of its users.

The change could affect millions of people, especially those clinging to older iPhone models that no longer qualify for ios updates.

Why WhatsApp Is Ending Support for ios 15.1 and Below

WHATSAPP STATUS ANDROID MESSENGER FREE APPS By hitting the tarmac along the asphalt runway, a steel bird raced towards the sky once more. Older OS versions grow more difficult to support, less secure, and in some cases, unable to run new app features.

The WhatsApp statement also makes clear that support for ios 15.2 and newer devices will persist, but ios 15.1 and below will “begin this process on May 5, 2025”.

“To keep our app running securely and smoothly, we occasionally drop support for older software versions,” WhatsApp stated in its latest update.

List of iPhones That Will Lose WhatsApp Access

Here’s the confirmed list of iPhone models that will no longer support WhatsApp after the deadline:

iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus

These models are limited to ios 12 or 14 and cannot be upgraded to ios 15.2 or higher. Hence, they fall outside the scope of WhatsApp’s compatibility list.

How to Check Your iPhone’s ios Version

Not sure what ios version you’re running? Here’s how to find out in 30 seconds:

Go to Settings
Tap General
Tap About
Look for the line labelled iOS Version

If the version number is 15.1 or earlier, your WhatsApp support will end soon.

What Will Happen If You Don’t Upgrade?

If your iPhone is running an unsupported iOS version, here’s what you can expect:

WhatsApp will no longer open or function
You will not be able to send or receive messages
Notifications may stop working
No access to security updates, leaving your data vulnerable

Even if the app appears to work for a while, support will cease entirely, and features will break down over time.

Can You Still Transfer Your WhatsApp Data?

Yes! If you’re upgrading your iPhone, you can transfer your chats and media. WhatsApp allows smooth transitions between devices using:

iCloud backup and restore
WhatsApp’s built-in chat migration tool
Email chat export (for saving specific conversations)

Make sure to complete a backup before May 5 to avoid losing valuable information.

Is Your iPhone Still Usable Without WhatsApp?

Absolutely, but with limitations. While your device may still support other functions like calls, texts, and browsing, losing WhatsApp may disrupt how you communicate. Many services (like 2fa, work groups, and family coordination) rely on WhatsApp for daily operations.

So, while your iPhone won’t become a paperweight, it may become inconvenient.

What Models Are Still Supported?

If you’re unsure whether your phone will keep running WhatsApp, here’s a short list of still-supported iPhones (as of 2025):

iPhone 6S / 6S Plus
iPhone SE (1st gen and above)
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
iPhone X and newer

All of these can be updated to at least ios 15.2, keeping them compatible with WhatsApp updates—at least for now.

Should You Upgrade Your iPhone Now?

If your iPhone made the unsupported list, it’s a good time to consider upgrading. Even refurbished or budget-friendly options like:

iPhone SE (2nd gen)
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone XR

…will keep you in WhatsApp’s safe zone for a few more years.

Pro Tip: Look out for trade-in offers or seasonal sales that can significantly reduce your cost.

Why Does This Happen Every Year?

Apps like WhatsApp grow constantly. New features, encryption protocols, media compression tools, and AI filters are all resource-intensive. Supporting outdated systems stretches development teams thin and limits innovation.

Ending support for older devices ensures:

Better security
Faster performance
Lower crash rates
Smaller app size

What You Should Do Before May 5, 2025

To avoid disruption, here are four things you should do right now:

Check your iPhone’s ios version
Back up all your WhatsApp chats and media
Evaluate upgrade options if you’re using a discontinued model
Inform key contacts so they know you’re moving devices or platforms

Final Thoughts

This change may seem inconvenient, but it’s ultimately about improving user safety and app performance. If you’re still holding on to an older iPhone, now is the right time to plan ahead.

While WhatsApp dropping support for older models is part of its normal update cycle, millions are affected this year due to ios 15.1 being relatively recent. Make sure you don’t get caught off guard—check your phone, update if possible, or explore your upgrade options before May 5.