Starting May 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or earlier, as the company phases out support for older devices. While the app currently supports iPhones with iOS 12 and above, this update will tighten compatibility, rendering several older models—including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus—incompatible with the messaging platform.
WhatsApp To Stop Working Soon on Select iPhones As Meta-Owned Platform Will End Support for Older iOS Versions; Check Details #WhatsApp #iPhone #iOS #Meta @WhatsApp — LatestLY (@latestly) April 29, 2025 WhatsApp’s decision to end support for older iPhones is primarily driven by security concerns, as Apple no longer provides software updates for outdated iOS versions. Without regular security patches, these devices become more susceptible to vulnerabilities, prompting WhatsApp to encourage users to upgrade to newer models and operating systems to ensure better protection. ALSO SEE: Samsung To Bring Back Beloved ‘Classic’ Watch In Upcoming Galaxy Watch 8: Report To further bolster user safety, WhatsApp has recently introduced a range of privacy-focused updates.
These include a new privacy layer that blocks others from copying text, images, or videos from chats and groups, as well as enhanced features like chat lock, which secures specific conversations using a password, fingerprint, or Face ID. Additionally, improvements to disappearing messages give users greater control over message visibility, reinforcing WhatsApp’s commitment to user security. Breaking WhatsApp users have been warned that the service will stop working on a trio of popular devices next month.
As part of a software upgrade, WhatsApp will no longer support several iPhone models once used by millions of people. Although the affected models are older pic.twitter.
com/GOewzzsM5I — Power Of Unity (@PowerOfUnity12) April 28, 2025 WhatsApp has rolled out several new privacy-focused features, including Silence Unknown Callers, which blocks incoming calls from numbers not saved in the user’s contacts, helping reduce spam and scam risks. Another addition is Privacy Checkup, an in-app step-by-step guide that helps users understand and adjust their privacy settings more easily. However, not all users may be able to access these features equally.
Older iPhones and Android devices may lack the necessary hardware capabilities to fully support functions like biometric authentication or intensive processing, which could lead to limited or inconsistent performance of these tools on ageing models. Given that iOS 15 is already three generations behind the latest version, users with outdated iPhones may find it harder to keep up with WhatsApp’s evolving requirements. To continue receiving full feature support and security updates, users are encouraged to upgrade to newer models like the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14.
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WhatsApp Support Ending For Certain iPhones—Is Yours On The List?

Time’s up for old iPhones?WhatsApp will stop supporting iPhones running iOS 15.1 or earlier starting May 2025, affecting older models like iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus.