Thousands of iPhone users across the UK are being warned that WhatsApp will no longer be supported on certain older devices starting next month.
The popular messaging app, used by over two billion people worldwide, has announced that from 5 May 2025, it will require iPhones to run iOS 15.1 or newer to access the app.
Devices That Will Be Affected
Users operating on iOS 12 or older software will lose access to WhatsApp altogether. This specifically affects the following iPhone models, which cannot update beyond iOS 12.5.7:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These models are no longer eligible for software updates, making them incompatible with the upcoming WhatsApp requirements.
Why Is WhatsApp Making the Change?
According to WhatsApp-focused site WABetaInfo, the shift is aimed at improving performance and enabling new features.
“Newer versions of iOS include updated APIs and improved technologies that WhatsApp relies on to deliver new features,” the platform explained.
“By not supporting older versions, WhatsApp will be able to optimize the app and introduce new features that simply wouldn’t be possible with outdated operating systems.”
WhatsApp previously issued a five-month warning, notifying affected users in late 2024 that they would need to update or upgrade their devices.
What Can You Do?
If your iPhone is not compatible with iOS 15.1 or above, your only option to continue using WhatsApp will be to upgrade to a newer device.
The change affects both the standard and business versions of the app.
If you’re using an iPhone 5s, 6 or 6 Plus, be sure to back up your WhatsApp chats and plan for a new device before 5 May 2025, or risk losing access to the service.
