WhatsApp has officially ended support for several older iPhones and Android smartphones. In simple terms, it is no longer possible to use WhatsApp on these old phones.
According to details, this change came into effect on June 1, and if you are using an iPhone or Android phone from before 2014, you will not be able to use WhatsApp. According to the company, WhatsApp can now only be used on iPhones that run iOS 15.1 or later operating systems.
Similarly, on Android devices, this messaging app can be used on phones that have Android 5 or later operating systems. Although this restriction was supposed to take effect from May 5, 2025, Apple issued an update to help users of older iPhones prepare for the change.
As of June 1, WhatsApp can no longer be used on iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6X, Galaxy S3, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia Z.
Some reports had also claimed that WhatsApp would not be usable on iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, and iPhone SE (first generation), but according to 9to5Mac, these models run on iOS 15.8.4, so WhatsApp can still be used on them for another one or two years.
WhatsApp continuously improves its user interface and privacy settings, introducing features compatible with the latest Apple and Android operating systems. That’s why the company often ends support for older operating systems.
In a statement issued by WhatsApp, it was said that every year they review which devices and software are outdated and have very few users, lack the latest security updates, or lack functions necessary for WhatsApp. This new change won’t affect users with newer iPhones or Android phones.
However, there are still many people who use older phones. An estimate suggests that nearly one percent of Android smartphones still operate on these older operating systems.
