WhatsApp to Stop Working on Older iPhones from May 2025

Highlights

• WhatsApp will stop supporting iPhones with iOS versions earlier than 15.1 starting May 5, 2025.
• It will affect older models like the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
• Beta testers might face issues earlier as the latest Beta version (25.2.10.72) doesn’t work on iOS versions below 15.1.
• Options for users include upgrading to a newer iPhone, finding alternative messaging apps or delaying app updates.

If you’re using an older iPhone, you might soon lose access to WhatsApp this year. WhatsApp will no longer support iPhones running iOS versions earlier than 15.1 starting from May 5, 2025. This means you won’t receive app updates, new features or security patches. Eventually, the app may stop working altogether.

This change will primarily affect older models like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Moreover, Beta testers using WhatsApp via TestFlight could be affected even before that. According to WABetaInfo, the latest beta version (25.2.10.72) already doesn’t work on iOS versions below 15.1.

📝 WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.2.10.72: what’s new?

WhatsApp has officially discontinued support for older iOS versions and iPhone models with the latest updates!https://t.co/01sr9yPtKK pic.twitter.com/fSNMKttiK8

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) January 29, 2025

Here’s what you can do.

No WhatsApp Support For Older iPhones – Here’s What To Do

Stop Using WhatsApp

If your iPhone doesn’t support iOS 15.1 or later and you don’t plan to upgrade, you will eventually lose access to WhatsApp. The app may stop working after May 5 and you won’t be able to send or receive messages. You may need to consider alternative messaging apps that still support older devices.

Delay Updating The App (Not Recommended)

Some users might try to keep using the last working version of WhatsApp by avoiding app updates. However, this is risky since your phone will miss out on critical security fixes, making it vulnerable to potential threats like hacking and data breaches.

Over time, older versions of WhatsApp may also lose access to essential services, leading to crashes or login issues.

Upgrade to a Newer iPhone

The most viable option for you is to switch to an iPhone that supports iOS 15.1 or later versions. This will ensure you continue receiving WhatsApp updates, security patches and new features. Moreover, upgrading to a new iPhone will also help keep your device secure and compatible with other apps as many developers gradually phase out support for older operating systems.

FAQs

Q1. What will happen to WhatsApp on older iPhones starting May 5, 2025?

Answer. WhatsApp will no longer support iPhones running iOS versions earlier than 15.1. This means users won’t receive app updates, new features, or security patches, and eventually, the app may stop working altogether.

Q2. Which iPhone models are primarily affected by this change?

Answer. Older models like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus will be primarily affected by this change.

Q3. What are the recommended options for users with older iPhones?

Answer. Users can upgrade to a newer iPhone that supports iOS 15.1 or later, find alternative messaging apps, or delay app updates (though this last option is not recommended due to security risks).

Read More: WhatsApp to Stop Support for Older iPhone and Android Devices