Overview
- WhatsApp will require at least Android 5.0 (Lollipop) from New Year’s Day 2026, leaving many pre-2014 Android devices incompatible.
- Reports indicate several older iPhones will also lose access, including iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6 and 6 Plus.
- The rollout will be progressive, starting with the removal of new features and followed by full service deactivation, with some users seeing in‑app alerts.
- No comprehensive official list has been released, but cited examples include Samsung Galaxy S3, S4 Mini, S5 and Note 2, LG Optimus L‑series, Motorola Moto G/E (1st gen), Sony Xperia Z2/Z3 and Huawei Ascend models.
- Users are advised to back up chats to Google Drive, check for OS updates to meet the requirement, or migrate to newer hardware before the deadline.