iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 to lose WhatsApp access: Update or upgrade by May 2025

WhatsApp has announced an update that will impact older iOS devices, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. Starting May 5, 2025, the messaging platform will no longer support iOS versions earlier than 15.1. This change affects devices unable to upgrade beyond iOS 12.5.7. Users with these models must transition to newer devices to continue using WhatsApp.

This decision aligns with WhatsApp’s focus on leveraging modern APIs and technologies available in newer iOS versions. The company aims to enhance performance, introduce advanced features, and maintain security standards. Older operating systems lack the infrastructure required to support these updates, making continued support unsustainable.

WhatsApp has also observed that only a small percentage of its user base relies on outdated iOS versions.

Steps for users to continue using WhatsApp

Affected users must take action to maintain access to WhatsApp services:

Update compatible devices

Users with iPhones capable of running iOS 15.1 or newer should update their software by following these steps:

Open the Settings app.

Select General, then tap Software Update.

Follow the prompts to install the latest software version.

Upgrade to a Newer iPhone

Users of iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus, which are limited to iOS 12.5.7, must upgrade to a newer model compatible with iOS 15.1 or higher.

This update applies to both the standard WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business. Android users are not impacted by this change, as it targets iOS-specific updates.

To ease the transition, WhatsApp is providing a five-month notice period. Notifications about the change will be sent to affected devices in advance to ensure users are informed.