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WhatsApp Ends Support for Older iPhones and Android Phones Today

The Meta-owned service now requires iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1 to shore up security on hardware no longer receiving software updates.

Jammu and Kashmir Bans WhatsApp, Gmail for Sensitive Official Communication to Prevent Data Breaches | Image: Unsplash
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WhatsApp photo and photo quality | iPhone with messaging apps folder

Overview

  • As of June 1, WhatsApp has stopped working on iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and any Android device running Android 5.0 or earlier.
  • The cutoff date was pushed from May 5 to June 1 to give users extra time to prepare for the new minimum OS requirements.
  • Meta says dropping legacy devices helps reduce security risks and ensures compatibility with future app features.
  • Models such as the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and first-generation iPhone SE remain supported if updated to iOS 15.8.4.
  • Users are advised to back up their chat history to iCloud or Google Drive before moving to a newer device to preserve conversations.