From this Sunday, June 1, 2025, WhatsApp, the meta-constituted messaging platform, will stop the support of several old smartphones models as part of its routine update cycle. This change, initially scheduled for May 5, 2025, was delayed by a few weeks to allow users to prepare for more time. The update increases the requirements of the minimum application system, which makes it incompatible with certain inherited devices.
List of iPhones on which WhatsApp will stop working
WhatsApp will require iOS 15.1 or later for iPhones and Android 5.1 or more for Android devices. Consequently, the following iPhone models will no longer support WhatsApp:* iPhone 5S* iPhone 6* iPhone 6 PlusThese models are limited to iOS versions less than 15.1, which makes them incompatible with the updated application. However, some reports have incorporated the iPhone 6s, the iPhone 6S Plus and the iPhone SE (1st generation) in the affected list. These devices can execute iOS 15.8.4, the latest version supported for them, and must remain compatible with WhatsApp until future update again increases the requirements, probably not for one to two years.
Android smartphones that will lose the WhatsApp support on June 1
On the Android side, the devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or anterior will also lose assistance. This includes older models such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, HTC One X and Sony Xperia Z, although the specific Android models vary due to the fragmentation of the platform.
Why WhatsApp will stop working on these devices
WhatsApp periodically updates its minimum requirements to take advantage of the new operating system features, improve safety and optimize performance. Ancient devices, often limited by hardware constraints, have trouble supporting modern functionalities of applications such as end -to -end, video calls or new interface elements. By removing the management of obsolete systems, WhatsApp provides a coherent user experience on its approximately 3 billion world users.
What smartphones users on which WhatsApp will stop working can do
If you or someone you know use an affected device, here are your options:* Upgrade the device: the transition to a more recent smartphone supporting iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1 (or later) will ensure continuous access to WhatsApp. Budget options such as the iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation) or mid -range Android devices are widely available.* Update iOS (if possible): for devices like the iPhone 6s, 6s plus or SE (1st generation), make sure that the device is updated to iOS 15.8.4 via parameters> general> software update to maintain compatibility.* Go to alternatives: other messaging applications such as Telegram or Signal can always support older devices, although their user bases are smaller. Check the compatibility of their respective application stores.* Backup cats: Before losing access, save WhatsApp conversations to iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android) to transfer them to a new device. Access WhatsApp Settings> Chats> Cat Save to secure your data.This change aligns with industry trends, as applications are increasingly removing the support of older systems. Apple’s own data from 2024 indicate that only about 5% of active iPhones execute iOS 15 or earlier, suggesting a limited impact on developed markets. However, users of regions with slower turnover can face challenges. WhatsApp has advised affected users to upgrade devices by June 1, 2025 to avoid service disturbances.For more details, visit the official WhatsApp assistance page or consult the compatibility of your device in the App Store or Google Play Store. If you are not sure of the condition of your device, you can check its iOS version under settings> General> on the iPhone or settings> on the phone on Android.