WhatsApp Ends Support for iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus
As of June 1, 2025, WhatsApp has officially discontinued support for several older iPhones and Android devices. Originally set for May 5, the deadline was extended to give users more time. This move continues the tech industry trend of phasing out legacy hardware in favor of enhanced security and performance features
(9to5Mac, Cape Argus).
Devices No Longer Supported
To use WhatsApp after this update, users must be on iOS 15.1 or later. These iPhones are now incompatible:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These models cannot be updated beyond iOS 12, making them unable to meet WhatsApp’s minimum system requirement
(Times of India, Tribune).
What About iPhone SE, 6s, and 6s Plus?
There’s confusion around devices like the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and first-gen SE. These devices remain supported, as they can update to iOS 15.8.4. Users must ensure their iPhones are on the latest version to keep WhatsApp working
(Moneycontrol).
Why WhatsApp Is Dropping Support
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, regularly evaluates platform requirements. Reasons for dropping older devices include:
- Improving security by focusing on supported OS versions
- Enabling new features incompatible with older hardware
- Reducing the burden of supporting outdated software
“Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices might not have the latest security updates…” — WhatsApp Help Center
Steps for Affected Users
Users still on unsupported devices can prepare by:
- Backing up chats via Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
- Checking iOS version under Settings > General > About
- Exploring alternatives like Signal or Telegram, which may still support older hardware
(Times of India)
Global Impact of This Decision
According to Apple, only 5% of users remain on iOS 15 or earlier. However, this update may affect users in regions where newer devices are less common or harder to access
(Tribune, Cape Argus).
Final Thoughts on WhatsApp Support
WhatsApp’s latest update underlines the platform’s commitment to security and innovation. Owners of iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus must upgrade their hardware to keep using WhatsApp, while others should stay updated to avoid future compatibility issues
(9to5Mac, Croma).
