WhatsApp to end support for millions of iPhone and Android devices starting June 1, 2025

Starting June 1, 2025, WhatsApp — the popular messaging app owned by Meta — will end support for a number of outdated iPhones and Android devices, according to 9to5Mac, citing an official statement from the company. This change will affect millions of users, especially those using older iPhones and budget Android smartphones.

Which Devices Are Affected?

From the specified date, WhatsApp will only work on devices running:

• iOS 15.1 or newer
• Android 5.1 (Lollipop) or newer

iPhone
The following models will lose support:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

These devices, released in 2013–2014, cannot be updated to iOS 15.1 — their last supported version is iOS 12.5.7.

Some media outlets incorrectly mentioned the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and the 1st-gen iPhone SE. However, these models support iOS 15.8.4 and can continue using WhatsApp if updated. Users of these devices are advised to check their OS version via Settings → General → Software Update.

Android
On Android, the restriction affects hundreds of models released before 2015, including:

• Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
• Sony Xperia Z1
• LG G2
• Huawei Ascend P6
• Moto G (1st gen), Motorola Razr HD, Moto E (2014)

These devices run Android 5.0 or older, making them incompatible with WhatsApp’s updated requirements.

Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support?

Meta says the move is necessary for ensuring security and performance. Older operating systems:

• Don’t support new APIs needed for features like AI tools and enhanced encryption
• No longer receive security updates, posing risks for users
• Represent a small portion of the user base (only 5% of iPhones in 2024 used iOS 15 or earlier, according to Apple)

By focusing on modern OS versions, WhatsApp can introduce new features, optimize performance, and ensure a stable experience for over 3 billion users worldwide.

What Should Owners of Older Devices Do?

Check your OS version:

• iPhone: Go to Settings → General → Software Update. If iOS 15.1 or newer is available, install it.
• Android: Go to Settings → System → System Update. Make sure you're running Android 5.1 or newer.

Back up your chats:

• iPhone: In WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup → back up to iCloud
• Android: Settings → Chats → Chat Backup → use Google Drive
  This allows chat history to be transferred to a new device.

Consider upgrading your device:
If your phone cannot be updated, consider switching to a newer smartphone. Budget-friendly options like the iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd gen) or mid-range Android models (e.g., Samsung Galaxy A16) support WhatsApp.

Try alternative messaging apps:
If upgrading isn’t an option, consider Telegram or Signal. They may still support older OS versions, although their user base is smaller. Check compatibility via the App Store or Google Play.

Background and Outlook

Originally, WhatsApp planned to end support on May 5, 2025, but extended the deadline to June 1 to give users more time to prepare. For Android, a similar process began January 1, 2025, when support ended for Android 4.4 KitKat and older.

This isn’t the first such move: WhatsApp regularly raises its minimum system requirements as technology evolves. Future drops in support for iOS 15.8.4 and Android 5.1 are expected, potentially affecting iPhone 6s and similar models. Users are encouraged to keep devices and OS versions up to date to avoid sudden access loss.