WhatsApp has announced that, starting May 5, 2025, it will no longer support a range of older mobile devices, including certain iPhones and feature phones running KaiOS. This change is due to the need for more up-to-date operating systems to ensure better performance, security, and compatibility with new features.
Affected iPhones
WhatsApp will require iOS 15.1 or later to continue functioning. This means the following older iPhone models will no longer be supported:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These models, which were released over a decade ago, will no longer be able to run WhatsApp after the cutoff date, causing disruptions for users still on these devices.
Affected KaiOS Devices
Several feature phones running KaiOS will also lose WhatsApp support by February 2025. These include:
- JioPhone
- JioPhone 2
- Nokia 800 Tough
- Nokia 2720 Flip
- Nokia 2760 Flip
- Nokia 2780 Flip
- Nokia 6300 4G
- Nokia 8000 4G
- Nokia 8110 4G
WhatsApp is ending support for devices with KaiOS versions older than 3.0, which cannot support the latest updates to the app.
Read More: Using WhatsApp Without an Internet Connection
General System Requirements
To continue using WhatsApp after May 5, 2025, users must meet the following system requirements:
- Android: Version 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
- iOS: Version 15.1 or later
Devices running older versions of these operating systems will no longer receive updates, which could pose security risks.
Why This Change?
WhatsApp phases out support for older operating systems to offer improved features, better security, and enhanced performance. By focusing on more recent software versions, WhatsApp aims to provide a smoother and safer experience for its users.
What Should Affected Users Do?
Users of the affected devices have until May 5, 2025, to upgrade to a compatible smartphone. WhatsApp advises iPhone users, especially, to update their devices to iOS 15.1 or later to continue using the app without interruption.
