• Source:JND
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WhatsApp pauses support for some older-generation iPhones as of June 1st with coming updates to its system requirements. The messaging service owned by the Meta conglomerate now needs the devices to run on iOS 15.1 or later. The devices that are not able to upgrade to the minimum iOS version will not be compatible with WhatsApp, thus requiring some users to either update the software or buy new hardware. The update does affect Android users too, as WhatsApp now requires the OS to be Android 5.0 or higher.

Why WhatsApp is Removing The Support For Older iPhones

As mentioned in WABetaInfo, this update is aimed at assisting the WhatsApp app further optimise performance while rolling out newer app features that older operating systems cannot support. As the app is already outdated, maintaining compatibility with its previous versions limits innovation and security features.

Key reasons for the change:

- Enhances performance and stability

- Enables support for newer, more advanced features

- Improves overall app security

- Aligns with Meta’s routine OS support policies

To ease the transition, WhatsApp reportedly provided a five-month notice period for users to upgrade their devices or make alternative arrangements.To aid with the transition in the first five months only it gave users boundless blunt head space for devices before change.

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Devices No Longer Supported by WhatsApp

The following iPhone models cannot use WhatsApp anymore as they are stuck to the obsolete iOS version 12.5.7:

- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus

These devices are currently at a supported status, but are at risk of being removed from future updates.

According to reports from 9to5Mac, the following models can still use WhatsApp if updated to iOS 15.8.4:

- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)

Users of the above mentioned devices should make sure they update to the latest supported version before moving to the next phase of support withdrawal.

Check The Installed Version of Your iOS Software

The steps below can be followed if you want to check your iOS version:

- Open the Settings app
- Tap General
- Select About
- Check Software Version
If your iPhone is running an IOS lower than 15.1 and cannot be upgraded further, then WhatsApp will not function anymore. And in order to use the app, you will have to shift to a supported phone.

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Timeline and Rollout

The initial cutoff date was May 5; however, the update was postponed until June 1. As a standard practice, Meta systematically withdraws support for legacy software to improve:

- Security

- Application performance

- Feature uniformity within the ecosystem

Final Thoughts

With WhatsApp discontinuing support for iOS versions earlier than 15.1, numerous lower-end iPhone models have become effectively unusable with the application. Indeed, this change may be inconvenient for some, but it enables WhatsApp to deliver a more enhanced, secure, and robust experience for the majority of users. If your device no longer meets the prerequisites, it is advisable to look for new devices to maintain functionality on one of the most used messaging services worldwide.