It’s that time again. Every so often, WhatsApp decides it can no longer support older smartphones, and May 5 2025, is the next big date when support is being switched off for some devices. Right now, WhatsApp works on all iPhones that are capable of running Apple’s iOS 12 operating system (and newer), but that’s soon about to change.
In an update on its status page, WhatsApp has recently confirmed that Apple gadgets that can’t run iOS 15.1 or later will lose all access to this hugely popular chat app. That means no more group chats, video calls to family, voice messages or sending texts that self-destruct.
“Starting May 5, 2025, only iOS versions 15.1 and newer will be supported,” the Meta-owned platform announced.
So, which call makers will this actually affect, and should you be worried?
Luckily, if you have a relatively new iPhone in your pocket, you’ll be fine as this change only targets those with an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Those Apple smartphones are all over 10 years old and lost support for iOS updates a long time ago.
If you are still using any of those ageing products and love chatting on WhatsApp, then you will have to upgrade to something a little newer to continue getting access. Once the deadline comes into force, you’ll need at least an iPhone 6s or later to carry on the conversation.
Of course, now could be a good time to revamp things completely and buy an iPhone 16, 16 Pro or cheaper 16e as these are not only compatible with WhatsApp but also get Apple Intelligence added as well. For those not aware, Apple Intelligence offers help writing emails, editing text, retouching images and sorting your inbox.
Explaining more about its decision to turn off support, WhatsApp said, “Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.
“Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.”
This change will only affect a very small number of users but it’s worth checking which device you have so you don’t get a shock next month.