If you are using Apple iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus, your moment of fun using WhatsApp can soon come to an end. WaBetaInfo recently came up with a report stating that they expect WhatsApp to stop supporting these gadgets with old iOS versions come May 2025. Here is what you ought to know about this potential change and how it might affect you.
Who Is Affected?
The restriction affects iPhones running on software as old as iOS 15.1. Today, WhatsApp still works on iOS 12 and later, but there is information that the app wants to switch to requiring iOS 15.1 or newer to work at all.
This update would affect users of:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These models cannot be upgraded to a version that will support future updates of the WhatsApp app in the event this becomes a requirement.
The current requirements at WhatsApp include:
As of now, WhatsApp’s official website states the following requirements for iOS users:
- Devices need to be running iOS 12 or later.
- It means that iPhones have to be able to receive SMS or calls for the verification of accounts.
But, WhatsApp also stated that users always need to have the up-to-date OS version to get the best working, as well as the security level of the app.
Also, the company advises its users against the use of other jailbroken or unlocked FIOTs with other modified versions of iOS since it will compromise both the functionality and security of the app.
What About Android Users?
In the case of Android, WhatsApp is compatible with the Android operating system 5.0 (Lollipop) or above. Like iPhones, these devices should also be able to accept a receipt of an SMS or a call for account authentication.
What Should Afflicted iPhone Users Do?
If you’re using an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus, here’s what you can do to prepare for this change:
Check Your iOS Version: Make sure that your iPhone is powered by the latest version of iOS that it can support. For these models that would be iOS 12.
Upgrade Your Device: If you have an iPhone that can’t be updated to iOS 15.1 or newer, and aren’t able to upgrade to a more recent iPhone model, WhatsApp won’t be available to you.
Avoid Jailbreaking: Make sure that your device runs the standard iOS device from which you might have compatibility issues with WhatsApp.
Why Is This Change Happening?
Apps such as WhatsApp depend on advanced operating systems and have stricter demands on performance, security, and of course, new features, as technology evolves. That allows developers to focus on the app’s modernization while dropping support for older OS versions.
Conclusion
For all interested iPhone users, it means the potential loss of WhatsApp support on iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. We do not fault Google for wanting to retire older devices, with tech progress a natural byproduct.
If you’re affected, now might be the right time to upgrade your iPhone to make sure you can keep in touch with friends, family, and colleagues on WhatsApp. Don’t let yourself lose access to this must-have messaging app — plan and don’t wait until May 2025.
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The change is set to come next year according to some users who received notifications [File] | Photo Credit: REUTERS
