In January this year, WhatsApp stopped supporting a number of Android smartphones. Specifically, devices running Android OS v4.4 (KitKat) were on the 'dead' list. Similarly, WhatsApp announced that iPhones running OS below iOS 15.1 would no longer support the messaging platform from May 5.
However, it seems that Apple has given users with devices running older versions of iOS some flexibility, extending support until June 1. Now that the extended support period has ended, WhatsApp has officially updated its support page, stating that the messaging app is now supported on Android 5.0 and above and iOS 15.1 and above.
What does this mean? To continue using WhatsApp, you must have:
- Android phones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
- iPhone running iOS 15.1 or later (released October 2021)
As a result, the iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, and iPhone 6 Plus will lose WhatsApp support on June 1.
If you're not sure which version of Android your phone is running, check the following:
- Go to Settings > System > About Device
- Check your Android version . If it 's lower than Android 5.0, it's time to say goodbye if you want to continue using WhatsApp. On iPhone , go to Settings > General > About .
WhatsApp says that owners who still have an old Android phone or iPhone will be prompted and notified several times to upgrade to a newer phone. If you think WhatsApp is indispensable, now is a good time to upgrade to a new Android phone, as Samsung recently launched its thinnest Galaxy phone yet, the Galaxy S25 Edge.
For iOS users, you can wait until September, when Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 series with major design changes.