Every so often, WhatsApp update the minimum operating system requirementsboth in Android as in iOSwhich the app needs to work. When a smartphone stops meeting them because Meta no longer supports it, WhatsApp is no longer operationalso the user is forced to update their device if they want to continue using the messaging application.
We already have a new date for the next update of the minimum requirements for the iPhone. It will be from next May 5, 2025 when the app will stop working on iPhones that are not updated to iOS version 15.1.
The information, which the WhatsApp specialized media WABetaInfo has echoed, is already included in the corresponding section of the WhatsApp support page. In it, along with the current versions of Android and iOS necessary for the app to work, a message indicates that ‘as of May 5, 2025, only devices with iOS 15.1 and later versions will be supported’.
At this time, the oldest versions of Android and iOS that support the app are Android 5.0 and iOS 12. While there being no limitation in the case of Android indicates that Google has no immediate plans to change it, the jump in the case of iOS is notable, from version 12 to 15.1.
The 3 iPhone models in which WhatsApp will stop working
This means that the iPhones that will stop being compatible with WhatsApp on May 5 will be the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Any later model will continue to be supported as long as it is updated to at least iOS version 15.1.
WhatsApp to drop support for older iOS versions and iPhone models starting May 2025!
WhatsApp will stop supporting versions older than iOS 15.1 affecting users with iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus.https://t.co/rp77DJ7h27pic.twitter.com/isliFb4mo8
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) December 2, 2024
The last time Meta updated the minimum app requirements on iOS was in 2022when they uploaded iOS to the version 12. A less pronounced jump was reported last September, according to the version iOS 14.1which was to take place next February. But currently WhatsApp only reports the change that will take place on May 5.
This applies to both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business. However, considering that the iPhone 5s was launched in 2013 and the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in 2014there will not be many users who continue to use these devices today. It is worth remembering that The last two models have been the best-selling iPhones so far.