WhatsApp will make higher demands on the iPhone operating system in the future. Beginning in October, users using iOS 11 or earlier will need to upgrade to continue using the app. WhatsApp will then no longer work on some older devices such as the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c.
Im Ranking of the most popular social networks in Germany the messenger service WhatsApp took first place last year. 83.6 percent of Germans use the application to send text messages, photos or videos. In January 2022, the Number of iOS userswho used WhatsApp to around 16.9 million.
In the future, however, they will have to check which operating system is running on their iPhones and iPads. Because how WABetaInfo recently reported, the messenger will stop its services for older iOS versions from October 2022. This means that some older iPhones, with which corresponding updates are no longer possible, are also excluded.
WhatsApp requires update to iOS 12
All iPhone and iPad users who are still running iOS 11 or older are affected. They must update their operating systems by October 24, 2022 to continue using WhatsApp.
The messenger service indicates the upcoming change with pop-up messages that appear again and again. WhatsApps Help Center also states that iPhones must have at least iOS 12 installed.
This is how WhatsApp explains the update requirement
WhatsApp cites various reasons for the necessary software update. On the one hand, the company checks every year which older devices and operating systems are used by the fewest people. These devices may also have gaps in the latest security updates.
In addition, some of these devices no longer have the necessary functions to run WhatsApp. However, users of older iPhones or iPads need not be alarmed.
The software update to at least iOS 12 can be carried out for most Apple devices. Only users who still use the iPhone models 5 or 5C could have problems in the future.
Android users have more time for updates
The upcoming mandatory upgrade only affects Apple users at the moment. Android users have significantly more time to update their devices to newer software versions.
