WhatsApp, the widely used instant messaging app, has announced that it will stop working on iPhones running older iOS versions starting May 2025. The app will soon require a minimum of iOS 15.1 to function, meaning devices operating on iOS 12 or earlier will lose access to the platform.
This change impacts older models like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, which cannot be updated beyond iOS 12. For users with newer iPhones still running outdated software, updating to iOS 15.1 or later will ensure uninterrupted use.
The announcement gives affected users a five-month window to prepare by either upgrading their devices or backing up their WhatsApp data to avoid losing important chats and files.
WhatsApp’s move aligns with its efforts to improve app functionality and security, which often depend on the capabilities of more recent operating systems. Older software limits the app’s ability to introduce new features or maintain security standards.
In addition to the compatibility update, WhatsApp is introducing new features in its latest beta version. These include QR codes for channels, allowing users to join them by simply scanning a unique code, and features like sharing sticker packs and using an image lookup tool.
WhatsApp continues to refine its platform, ensuring users enjoy a seamless experience while encouraging them to adopt newer technologies. Users are advised to check their iOS versions and prepare for the transition ahead.
