These are three of Apple’s older devices—the iPhone 5s was launched in 2013 and the other two in 2014—making them over a decade old. The iPhone 6 was one of Apple’s most successful devices, with over 220 million units sold and is one of the best-selling devices in the company’s history.
Why is the update necessary?
WhatsApp recently began notifying users running older iOS versions that they’ll need to update their devices to continue using the app. However, it’s now clear that some devices won’t support it at all.
Currently, WhatsApp supports iOS 12 and above, but the upcoming update will require iOS 15.1 or higher for proper functionality. To reassure users, the company announced a five-month advance notice period, allowing them to prepare by either updating their device (if possible) or seeking alternatives.
According to a report by WABetaInfo, one of the main reasons for this change is that newer iOS versions include advanced APIs and technologies that WhatsApp relies on for developing new features. By ending support for older versions, the app can run more efficiently and introduce innovative features that wouldn’t be possible on outdated operating systems.
When does the change take effect?
The update is scheduled for May 5, 2025. From that date onward, WhatsApp will no longer support iOS versions older than 15.1. For users who need to upgrade their iPhones, remember that you can back up your chat history and media to iCloud and transfer them to your new device.
If you own an iPhone 7 or newer you have nothing to worry about, as these models are compatible with iOS 15.1 and beyond.