WhatsApp to End Support for Older Smartphones from June 1, 2025

WhatsApp is poised to end support for a few old smartphone models starting from Sunday, June 1, 2025. The update, previously planned for May 5, 2025, was delayed by a few weeks to enable individuals to prepare in advance. This change forms part of WhatsApp's normal cycle of updates to ensure the app operates optimized and secure.

The updated system requirements will make some older phones—both Android handsets and iPhones—outdated in terms of being able to run WhatsApp from June 1 onwards. 

iPhones impacted

WhatsApp will consequently require iOS 15.1 or later on iPhones, making the following iPhone models unsupported:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

These phones are only supported with iOS releases up to 15.1 and so are not supported with WhatsApp's latest version. Misinformation has, nonetheless, been brought by reports that the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE (first generation) are also no longer supported. Far from it: these devices are supported with iOS 15.8.4, the latest supported release, and can be expected to work with WhatsApp for at least another year or two.

Android Devices No Longer Supported

For users of Android, WhatsApp will no longer be supported on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and earlier devices. Among the devices that will be affected are:

• Samsung Galaxy S3
• HTC One X
• Sony Xperia Z

The fragmentation of the Android platform implies that the list of vulnerable devices will vary slightly based on the model and region. But the older devices with fewer hardware features will not be able to match new WhatsApp features.

Why Is This Occurring?

WhatsApp revises the minimum system requirements every so often to leverage newer operating system capabilities, increase security, and optimize performance. Older devices, which are often constrained by hardware capabilities, cannot support vital features like end-to-end encryption, video calls, and other modern features. By discontinuing old systems support, WhatsApp delivers a streamlined and secure experience for its 3 billion active users.

What Can Impacted Users Do?

If your device is vulnerable, try this:

Upgrade Your Device: Move to a newer device that comes with iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1 or higher. Affordable alternatives such as the iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation) or mid-range Android phones are good options.

Update Your iOS: If you own an iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, or SE (1st generation), update to iOS 15.8.4 from Settings > General > Software Update for compatibility. 

Switch to Alternative Messaging Apps: Messaging apps like Telegram or Signal could still support older devices, but the user base would be more limited. Check their app store descriptions for compatibility.

Back Up Your Chats: Before losing access, back up your WhatsApp chats to iCloud (for iPhone) or Google Drive (for Android). Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to store your data for moving to a new device.

Impact in Various Regions

While Apple's 2024 figures show only some 5% of current iPhones running iOS 15 or earlier, the impact might be greater in markets with lower device turnover. WhatsApp informs affected users to update by June 1, 2025, to avoid loss of service.

For information or to confirm compatibility with your device, visit WhatsApp's official support website or search for the version of your device in the App Store or Google Play Store.