In a move to enhance security and performance, WhatsApp has announced that it will stop working on certain older iPhone models starting June 1, 2025. The Meta-owned platform said iPhones running on iOS versions earlier than 15.1 — including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus — will no longer be supported.
These devices, already marked as “obsolete” by Apple, will be unable to access WhatsApp unless users upgrade their hardware. WhatsApp said the change aligns with its strategy to improve user protection against evolving cyber threats and ensure compatibility with new app features.
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The impact extends to WhatsApp Business users, who must also switch to newer devices to maintain communication tools vital for their operations. The iPhone 8 and iPhone X are currently the oldest models that will retain support, though their future compatibility may also be limited as iOS upgrades progress.
WhatsApp emphasized that newer operating systems enable enhanced privacy features such as chat locks, disappearing messages, and content protection tools — all part of the platform’s ongoing security improvements.
Users still relying on unsupported devices are urged to upgrade to avoid losing access to their messages and media. This update reflects a broader industry trend of phasing out legacy hardware to prioritize security and innovation.
