WhatsApp to Cease Functionality on Older iPhone Models Starting May 2025
In a notable move that will impact millions of users, WhatsApp has announced it will stop working on older iPhone models starting May 5, 2025. This change primarily affects owners of the iPhone 5S, 6, and 6 Plus, devices that were once among Apple’s best-selling smartphones. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus alone sold an remarkable 222.4 million units, making this decision a notable shift for long-time users.
The decision stems from WhatsApp’s focus on integrating newer technologies and features that are incompatible with outdated iOS versions. The app will now require iOS 15.1 or later, leaving older iPhone models, which max out at iOS 12.5.7, unsupported. As Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, explains, “We want to offer our users the most modern features and improvements, which is no longer possible on outdated systems.”
What This Means for iPhone Users
For those with newer iPhones, the transition is straightforward. If your device supports iOS 15.1 or later, simply update your system via Settings > General > Software Update. This change applies to both the standard version of WhatsApp and its business counterpart, WhatsApp Business. Users affected by the update will receive multiple notifications before the change takes effect.
However, for owners of older models like the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, this marks the end of an era. launched in 2014, these devices were groundbreaking, setting records for touchscreen smartphones. Their successors, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, also enjoyed massive success, selling over 174 million units. The widespread popularity of these models is why WhatsApp has given users ample time to prepare for the transition.
Preparing for the change
If you’re still using an older iPhone, it’s time to consider upgrading to a newer model. Before making the switch, ensure you back up your chat history to iCloud to avoid losing vital conversations. Fortunately, WhatsApp automatically retains message history when switching devices, provided the app is properly backed up.
For developers, this move is a logical step. ending support for older iOS versions allows them to implement new features and improvements that wouldn’t be feasible on outdated systems. This practise is not unique to WhatsApp; many app developers follow a similar approach to keep up with technological advancements.
How to Check Your iOS Version
Unsure which iOS version your iPhone is running? navigate to Settings > General > information to find out. If your device is on iOS 14 or older, it’s time to explore your options—whether that’s updating your system or investing in a newer model.
| Key Details | Information |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Affected Models | iPhone 5S, 6, 6 Plus |
| New Minimum Requirement | iOS 15.1 or later |
| Effective Date | May 5, 2025 |
| Action for Users | Update iOS or upgrade to a newer iPhone model |
| Backup Recommendation | Back up chat history to iCloud before switching devices |
While the need to replace older phones may be inconvenient for users, it’s a necessary step to ensure access to the latest features and improvements. as technology evolves, so must the devices that support it.
For more details on this update, visit the official announcement on WABetaInfo.
