WhatsApp has announced that it will cease support for a range of older mobile devices beginning May 5, 2025.

The decision, which impacts both iPhones and feature phones running KaiOS, marks the end of support for devices that do not meet the necessary operating system requirements.

Affected iPhones

WhatsApp will require iOS 15.1 or later for continued usage. This means several older iPhone models, which are unable to update beyond iOS 12.5.7, will be left behind. Among the affected models are:

iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus

These devices, some of which were released over a decade ago, have a dwindling number of active users. However, for those still relying on these models, the cutoff will be a significant disruption to their ability to use the messaging app.

Affected KaiOS devices

WhatsApp will also stop supporting several feature phones running KaiOS by February 2025. These devices, which are more commonly used in markets where affordable smartphones are in high demand, will no longer be able to run WhatsApp after the support ends. The impacted KaiOS devices include:

JioPhone
JioPhone 2
Nokia 800 Tough
Nokia 2720 Flip
Nokia 2760 Flip
Nokia 2780 Flip
Nokia 6300 4G
Nokia 8000 4G
Nokia 8110 4G

The cessation of support for these devices is linked to the end of compatibility for versions of KaiOS older than 3.0, which are unable to accommodate newer WhatsApp updates.

General system requirements

To continue using WhatsApp after the May 5 deadline, users will need to ensure their devices meet the following minimum system requirements:

Android: Version 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
iOS: Version 15.1 or later

Any devices running older operating systems will no longer receive updates, leaving them vulnerable to potential security risks.

Why the change?

WhatsApp regularly phases out support for outdated operating systems to make way for improved features, security, and performance. By focusing on more current systems, the platform aims to provide a smoother and safer experience for users while staying up-to-date with technological advancements.

The decision is in line with WhatsApp’s broader effort to ensure compatibility across devices and maintain a consistent user experience.

What should affected users do?

Users of the affected devices have until May 5, 2025, to upgrade to a compatible smartphone. WhatsApp encourages those with older devices, particularly iPhone users, to consider updating their phones to iOS 15.1 or later to continue accessing WhatsApp services seamlessly.