WhatsApp to Stop Working on These iPhones from May 2025 — Check If Your Device is on the List

If you’re using an older iPhone, you might soon lose access to WhatsApp. The popular messaging app is set to end support for select iPhone models starting May 2025, as part of its updated security and software policy. WhatsApp has officially confirmed that devices running on iOS 15.1 or below will no longer be supported.

📵 Which iPhones Will Be Affected?

The move impacts several older models, including:

• iPhone 5s

• iPhone 6

• iPhone 6 Plus

These devices cannot be updated beyond iOS 12 or 15.1 and thus will no longer be compatible with WhatsApp post-May 2025.

🔐 Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support?

The decision is aimed at enhancing user privacy and data security. Apple has stopped releasing security updates for older iOS versions, making such devices vulnerable to malware, data breaches, and cyberattacks.

Without regular patches, apps like WhatsApp face security risks, prompting the company to encourage users to migrate to newer devices that can support the latest iOS versions and security features.

🆕 New WhatsApp Privacy & Security Features

In recent months, WhatsApp has launched several new features that older iPhones cannot support efficiently, including:

• Enhanced Privacy Layer: Restricts copying of messages, images, or videos from private chats or groups without permission.

• Chat Lock Upgrade: Lock specific chats using fingerprint, password, or Face ID for better privacy.

• Disappearing Messages: More flexible options for auto-deleting messages based on user preference.

• Silence Unknown Callers: Automatically blocks calls from unsaved or unknown numbers to avoid spam.

• Privacy Checkup Tool: Step-by-step guide to help users understand and customize their privacy settings.

📱 What Should You Do If You Own an Older iPhone?

Upgrade Your Device:
Switch to a newer model like iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or iPhone SE (2nd Gen) that supports iOS 16 or above.

Backup Your Chats:
Use iCloud to back up WhatsApp chats from your old device before migrating to a new phone.

Check for Updates:
If you have an iPhone 6s, 7, or later, update your iOS to 15.2 or higher via Settings > General > Software Update.

Consider Alternatives:
If upgrading isn’t feasible, you can use messaging apps like Telegram or Signal, which may continue supporting older devices.

⚠️ Final Reminder

If you're still using an unsupported device, WhatsApp may stop functioning anytime after May 2025. Make sure to act soon to avoid losing access to your chats and contacts.