WhatsApp Will Stop Working On iPhones

Meta’s popular messaging app, WhatsApp, will discontinue support for several older iPhone models starting 5 May 2025.

Users of the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus will no longer be able to access WhatsApp after this date. The messaging app will no longer function on those devices running iOS versions older than 15.1. This primarily affects iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus users, as these models cannot be updated beyond iOS 12.5.7.

This decision aligns with WhatsApp’s commitment to providing the latest features and security updates, which require more advanced hardware and software capabilities. Older devices often lack the necessary hardware and software capabilities to support the latest features and security updates that WhatsApp regularly introduces.

Users with newer iPhone models that are currently running an iOS version below 15.1 can still update their devices to the latest iOS release and continue using WhatsApp. To update your iPhone, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update.

To ensure uninterrupted service, users of the affected iPhone models are advised to upgrade to a newer device that meets WhatsApp’s minimum system requirements. This will allow them to continue using the app and benefit from its ongoing improvements.

To ensure a smooth transition, I encourage affected users to back up their chat history to iCloud before upgrading to a newer device. This will allow them to seamlessly transfer their conversations and media files to their new iPhone.

It’s important to note that this change will affect both the standard WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, as both share the same system requirements. Android users, however, will not be impacted by this update.