WhatsApp to Drop Support for iPhone 5s, 6 & 6 Plus: Is Your Device on the List?
WhatsApp will soon stop supporting iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus. Find out why, which devices are affected, and what you need to do to continue using the app.

WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, has announced a significant update that will impact users with older iPhones. Starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer support several older iPhone models and iOS versions, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. This move aims to ensure that the app continues to perform at its best by leveraging the latest technological advancements.
Why WhatsApp is Ending Support for Older iPhones
WhatsApp’s decision to end support for older iPhone models is part of its strategy to integrate updated APIs and technologies that are only available in newer iOS versions. These enhancements allow the app to offer improved performance, new features, and a smoother user experience. iOS versions older than 15.1 lack the necessary components to support these upgrades, prompting WhatsApp to focus on devices that run newer operating systems.
Additionally, data from WhatsApp’s analysis shows that a relatively small percentage of users rely on older devices, which makes it more efficient to prioritize resources toward improving the app for the majority of its user base.
The update, scheduled for May 5, 2025, will affect several older iPhone models, including:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These models, which currently support iOS 12.5.7, will no longer be compatible with WhatsApp once the update takes effect. Users on these devices will need to upgrade to a newer iPhone or update their current devices to at least iOS 15.1 to continue using the app.
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What Should Users Do?
To avoid losing access to WhatsApp, users with compatible devices should update their iPhones to iOS 15.1 or newer before May 5, 2025. For those using models like iPhone 5s or iPhone 6, upgrading to a newer iPhone will be necessary, as these models do not support iOS 15.1 or higher.
For users with compatible devices but outdated software, here’s how to update:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to General and tap on Software Update.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update your device to the latest iOS version.
This update applies to both the standard WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, as both share the same system requirements. Android users will not be affected by this change, as it is specific to iOS devices.
WhatsApp has provided a five-month notice period to allow users enough time to update their devices. This move is intended to minimize disruption for users and give them the opportunity to either update their existing devices or consider alternatives if their hardware cannot support newer iOS versions.