WhatsApp has raised the bar, requiring iPhones to run iOS 15.1 or higher from June 1 onward. That means older models like the iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus won’t be able to use the app anymore. On the Android side, devices running anything older than Android 5.0 will also be left out in the cold.
Why WhatsApp’s New Rules Hit Older Phones Hard
Starting June 1, if your phone is stuck on iOS 12.5.7 or Android versions earlier than 5.0, WhatsApp just won’t open anymore. That’s a pretty big deal for folks who rely on the app daily — which, honestly, is most of us.
Meta, the parent company behind WhatsApp, says the move is about keeping things running smooth and fast. By focusing on newer software, they can push out updates and features without dragging along legacy support that slows everything down.
It’s kind of like spring cleaning but for software. Unfortunately, some phones just can’t upgrade anymore. That means no more WhatsApp for millions of users on older devices. It’s a tough pill, but one Meta says will help keep WhatsApp modern and reliable.
Which Devices Are Affected?
The cut-off isn’t random. Here’s the short list of what’s losing WhatsApp:
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iPhone 5s
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iPhone 6
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iPhone 6 Plus
All these are stuck on iOS 12.5.7 because they can’t upgrade to iOS 15.1. On Android, if your phone runs Lollipop (Android 5.0) or older, you’re out of luck too.
Interestingly, WhatsApp originally planned this change for early May, but it got pushed back almost a month. That delay probably gave some users a bit more time to scramble for newer devices or update their software.
For many, this isn’t just a tech update; it means losing access to years of messages, calls, and group chats. No pressure, but it’s a big nudge to either upgrade your phone or switch apps.
How Users Are Reacting to the Cutoff
Social media is buzzing with mixed reactions. Some people get it — “Old phones have to go,” one user tweeted. Others aren’t happy at all. Many voiced frustration about how fast tech companies are pushing users to ditch perfectly usable phones just to keep messaging.
There’s also worry about what this means for people in countries where new phones aren’t cheap or easy to come by. WhatsApp is often the primary way to communicate, especially in remote or low-income areas.
One user lamented, “I still use my iPhone 6 for basic stuff. Now I have to buy a new phone just to chat? That’s crazy.”
The Deadline and What to Do Next
WhatsApp has been pretty clear: if you want to keep using their service, you need to upgrade to a compatible device or at least a newer operating system. For iPhones, that means iOS 15.1 or newer. For Android phones, that’s anything above version 5.0.
WABetaInfo, the reliable WhatsApp news source, mentioned there was a five-month warning period. So, if you’re still using an old phone, it’s time to make a call (pun intended). Either switch phones, upgrade the software if you can, or risk losing access completely.
Basically, if your phone is on the wrong side of this table, WhatsApp will stop working. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Why It Matters Beyond Just WhatsApp
WhatsApp isn’t just any app. It’s a lifeline for over two billion people worldwide. From daily catch-ups to emergency contacts, it’s woven deep into how we connect.
Losing access isn’t like missing a few features — it can cut off people from important relationships and information.
So, while Meta wants to keep the app sleek and fresh, this change highlights the downside of digital progress: older tech gets left behind. The question is, how do millions who rely on WhatsApp, but can’t afford or don’t want a new phone, deal with this?
What’s Next for WhatsApp Users?
Meta’s move might push some users to consider other messaging apps, but WhatsApp’s sheer scale makes that tricky. Still, alternatives like Signal, Telegram, or even Facebook Messenger could see new interest.
In the meantime, users should back up their chats, especially if they’re switching devices. Losing old messages can sting, and nobody wants to say goodbye to years of conversation history.
This update is a reminder that tech companies set the rules, and sometimes, users have to scramble to keep up.
