WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app from Meta, has been working on a lot of new features lately. However, at the same time, the platform is preparing to release an update that will stop supporting some older iPhone models.
WhatsApp to Stop Working on Older iPhones
As noted by WABetaInfo, the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iPhone has introduced a message notification for some older iPhone models. Specifically, the May 2025 update will stop supporting operating system versions earlier than iOS 15.1. WhatsApp currently works with iOS 12 and later.
Update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp. WhatsApp will stop supporting this version of iOS after May 5, 2025. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update to get the latest version of iOS,” the post says.
In other words, this means WhatsApp will stop working on the following iPhones:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
WhatsApp still doesn’t have an official app for iPad, except for a beta version that’s available to a few users on TestFlight. In that case, next year’s update will drop support for the first-generation iPad Air, as well as the iPad mini 2 and 3. The current iPad beta also requires iPadOS 12 or later.
Developers typically stop supporting older versions of iOS to focus on supporting the latest versions with new and improved technologies. Additionally, only 9% of all iPhones are still running a version before iOS 16, according to Apple.
If you have a new iPhone or iPad that’s still running older software for some reason, be sure to update its software to continue using WhatsApp. However, if you have one of the devices listed above, you will probably need to buy a new phone.
WhatsApp is available for free on the App Store.
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