Do you own an older iPhone? WhatsApp won't work for much longer

Old iPhone users have been sent a new notification in WhatsApp
It is said that WhatsApp will stop working if iOS is not updated
WhatsApp will end support for software older than iOS 15.1 in May 2025

The best iPhones are known to last a long time. Therefore, it’s no surprise if you still enjoy carrying an older iPhone that has several versions out of date. Still, it may not be compatible with WhatsApp for much longer, as the developer of the popular messaging app has warned users that they will soon need to update their iPhone or stop using the service.

As detailed by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has started sending notifications to users advising them that they need to “update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp.” These alerts are sent to users who are using an operating system older than iOS 15.1 on their iPhones.

If that sounds like you, you have about five months until WhatsApp stops working on your iPhone, as the app notification says WhatsApp will stop supporting older versions of iOS on May 5, 2025. WhatsApp recommends you open the Settings app and get started Go to General > Software Update to update your iPhone.

But it might not be that simple. If you have an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus – or an earlier iPhone – your device is not compatible with iOS 18. This means that you will not be able to update your iPhone and therefore WhatsApp will stop working on your device next May.

That’s not all. As 9to5Mac points out, WhatsApp doesn’t have an iPad app yet (other than a beta app only available to users of Apple’s TestFlight service). This means that with the WhatsApp update next year, support for the first generation iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 will also be discontinued, as these also only support iOS versions before iOS 15.1

Time for an upgrade?

Two iPhones on a green background showing the WhatsApp app

WhatsApp has continued to introduce new features to its iOS and Android apps over the past year, including the ability to send photos in “original quality” (above). (Image credit: Future)

WABetaInfo states that WhatsApp may end support for older iPhones so that it can take advantage of newer features and technologies introduced in iOS 15. WhatsApp can add these features if it doesn’t have to worry about being slowed down by outdated iPhones that can’t run them.

Additionally, it’s likely that there aren’t too many WhatsApp users currently with iOS versions prior to iOS 15.1, considering that the iPhones in question were released years ago. WhatsApp could focus its efforts on further optimizing the app for the larger number of users with more modern iPhones.

If you’re in the market for a new iPhone or iPad, now might be the time to shop around for the best iPhone deals and cheap iPad bargains. Black Friday may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score a hefty discount and ensure your device can continue using WhatsApp for the foreseeable future.

Do you own an older iPhone? WhatsApp won’t work for much longer

ByAmelia Journalton

By Amelia Journalton

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