CALIFORNIA: Users are advised to stay alert, as WhatsApp has announced it will stop working on some older models of iPhone as of June 1, 2025, as part of its yearly device compatibility review.
The step is intended to improve the security and performance of the messaging app and will render users on older versions of iOS unable to use the messaging service unless they switch to more modern devices.
As per the firm, iPhones with iOS versions before 15.1 will no longer be supported from next month. iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus are all included in this list, each of which has already been labeled as “obsolete“ by Apple and is no longer suitable for hardware support or software updates.
The Meta-owned messaging platform confirmed the move was part of its continuing efforts to enhance user security in the face of changing cybersecurity threats and fluctuating technology norms. Devices that lack periodic security updates become increasingly susceptible to possible breaches, WhatsApp added.
“We constantly evaluate what operating systems we support and update accordingly,” the company explained in its revised FAQ section. “Such devices may not get the latest security updates or simply lack the technical requirements to handle newer WhatsApp features.
“The switch will extend to WhatsApp Business users, the specialized app of the platform for small and medium-sized businesses. Those still on unsupported devices will have to move to new hardware in order to maintain access to business communications.
Today, the iPhone X and iPhone 8 are the oldest phones that will still be supported by WhatsApp after the transition. Both handsets, though, have not been receiving major iOS updates since iOS 16 dropped, which could indicate they have support constraints in future reviews.
Security and access to features
WhatsApp highlighted that staying compatible with the latest operating systems allows it to push out features aimed at boosting user privacy and protecting data. The latest additions are advanced chat privacy controls, disappearing messages, and chat locking.
New features also inhibit copying messages and media, tightening the app‘s security module further.
Analysts see the update as part of the larger trend among technology companies to sunset legacy device support in the interest of innovation and security.
What can users do
Users who want to continue using WhatsApp are encouraged to upgrade to newer versions of iPhones. Not doing so could lead to the full loss of access to their chats and media they have stored inside the app.
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