If you’re still clinging to your old iPhone 6 or rocking a vintage Android with pride, WhatsApp just gave you a firm nudge into 2025: update your OS or say goodbye to your chats. As of June 1, the world’s most-used messaging app officially pulled the plug on several older devices. And it’s not just about being flashy with new features. There’s a deeper logic to it.
The Hard Cut
Let’s get straight to it. WhatsApp now requires iOS 15.1 or later on iPhones and Android 5.1 or higher for Android devices. If your phone can’t handle that, WhatsApp won’t work. No more sending memes, voice notes, or “are you here?” messages. This isn’t a drill. The app will simply stop functioning on unsupported hardware.
Here’s the list of iPhones that are now officially out of the WhatsApp club because they max out at iOS 12.5.7:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
There was some confusion around models like the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and the first-gen iPhone SE. Those are safe as long as they’re updated to iOS 15.8.4. If not, you’re on borrowed time.
On the Android side, any device stuck on a version lower than Android 5.1 is now cut off. Think ancient relics like the Galaxy S3 or early HTC One models. No app updates. No functionality. Nothing.
Why Is WhatsApp Doing This?
At face value, it feels like WhatsApp is just forcing users to upgrade. But there’s a practical reason behind the purge: progress. Supporting legacy operating systems limits what developers can do. You can’t roll out advanced encryption, richer media handling, or AI-powered features if the OS underneath can’t keep up.
In tech terms, it’s like trying to run a modern game on a flip phone. So this isn’t just a case of “out with the old” for the sake of it. It’s about trimming the fat to keep the experience fast, secure, and ready for what’s next.
What You Can Do
If you’re affected, you’ve got two options:
- Update if you can. Check your OS version. On iPhones, go to Settings > General > About. On Android, it’s Settings > About phone > Software info.
- Upgrade your hardware. If your phone can’t handle the latest OS, it might be time to finally retire it.
And before you do anything drastic, back up your chats. Whether it’s to iCloud or Google Drive, make sure your years of WhatsApp history don’t vanish with your unsupported device.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp cutting off older devices isn’t surprising. It’s part of a broader industry trend. Platforms are increasingly prioritizing speed, security, and modern infrastructure. Still, the move is a sharp reminder that even our most essential apps come with expiration dates for aging hardware.
If you’re one of those people who love stretching a phone’s life for as long as possible, this might sting. But in the grand scheme of things, WhatsApp is making space for a better, faster, and more secure experience. That’s a trade-off most users, whether they realize it or not, will thank them for.
Now go check your phone settings. Seriously.
