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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.

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.