Older Smartphones to Lose WhatsApp Access Soon

News Desk

Islamabad: WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is set to stop functioning on several older smartphones. Beginning May 5, 2025, the messaging app will require iOS 15.1 or later, meaning it will no longer be supported on certain older iPhones.

The affected Apple models include:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

These devices can only be upgraded to iOS 12.5.7, which falls short of the new minimum requirement.

WhatsApp states that it regularly updates its list of supported devices to ensure user security and app performance. Older phones often lack critical security updates and features necessary for the latest versions of the app.

This isn’t the first time WhatsApp has phased out older devices. Support has previously been dropped for early iPhone models released between 2007 and 2013.

If you’re using one of these iPhones and want to keep using WhatsApp, you’ll need to switch to a newer model that supports iOS 15.1 or later.

The change is expected to impact some of WhatsApp’s two billion users globally, including those in countries like Pakistan.

WhatsApp to Drop Support for Older Android Phones from January 1, 2025

Android users will also be affected. Starting January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on several older Android models that cannot receive new software updates.

Here’s a list of Android phones losing WhatsApp support:

Samsung:

• Galaxy S3
• Galaxy Note 2
• Galaxy Ace 3
• Galaxy S4 Mini

Motorola:

• Moto G (1st Gen)
• Razr HD
• Moto E 2014

HTC:

• One X
• One X+
• Desire 500
• Desire 601

LG:

• Optimus G
• Nexus 4
• G2 Mini
• L90

Sony:

• Xperia Z
• Xperia SP
• Xperia T
• Xperia V

Apple:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

WhatsApp’s decision to drop support for outdated operating systems is part of its efforts to keep up with evolving technology and offer a more secure and feature-rich experience to its users worldwide.