WhatsApp to Stop Working on These iPhones from May 2025 – WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, has announced a major update that will impact users of older iPhones starting May 2025. If you’re using an older iPhone model, it’s crucial to check whether your device will continue to support WhatsApp beyond this date.
From May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer be compatible with iPhones that cannot update to iOS 15.1 or later, including popular models like the iPhone 6 and iPhone 5s. This decision, according to WhatsApp, is part of a broader move to improve security, performance, and user experience.
WhatsApp to Stop Working on These iPhones from May 2025
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Update Effective From | May 5, 2025 |
| Minimum iOS Version Required | iOS 15.1 |
| Affected Devices | iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus |
| Reason for Support Drop | Security and feature compatibility issues |
| Alternative Options | Upgrade device, backup WhatsApp, use alternative messaging apps |
| Official Website | WhatsApp Help Center |
WhatsApp’s decision to stop supporting iPhones running iOS versions below 15.1 is part of its ongoing commitment to security, performance, and innovation. While this move will inconvenience some users with older devices, it ensures a better, safer experience for the broader community.
Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Some iPhones?
Every year, WhatsApp evaluates its software compatibility and discontinues support for older operating systems. This is primarily to ensure that users get access to the latest security protocols, performance improvements, and app features.
Older phones often lack the necessary hardware and software to support these updates. As a result, continuing support for them increases security risks and hampers feature delivery for the broader user base.
According to a report by WABetaInfo, devices that cannot install iOS 15.1 or later will no longer be able to use WhatsApp after May 2025.
List of iPhones That Will Lose WhatsApp Support in May 2025
Here are the specific iPhone models that will no longer be able to run WhatsApp:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These devices are capped at iOS 12.5.7, which is their final supported version. Since they cannot update to iOS 15.1, they fall outside WhatsApp’s updated compatibility list.
Note: If you’re using an iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st gen), or iPhone 7, you may still be safe—provided your phone is updated to at least iOS 15.1.
How to Check If Your iPhone Is Affected?
To verify whether your device meets the new requirement:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Select About.
- Look for the iOS Version field.
If your version is below iOS 15.1, and your device is not eligible for a software update, you will lose access to WhatsApp starting May 5, 2025.
Why Does WhatsApp Need iOS 15.1 or Later?
With each iOS release, Apple introduces important security and privacy enhancements. WhatsApp, as an encrypted messaging service, relies heavily on the latest operating system features to offer:
- End-to-end encryption
- Real-time location sharing
- Media encryption
- Multi-device access
- Advanced spam detection
Without iOS 15.1, many of these features either don’t work or may introduce security vulnerabilities. Therefore, WhatsApp’s decision aligns with industry best practices for app development.
What Will Happen If You Keep Using an Unsupported iPhone?
If your device is on the outdated list:
- You’ll no longer be able to send or receive messages on WhatsApp after May 5, 2025.
- You might not receive notifications or app support before that date.
- Eventually, you may be logged out of WhatsApp entirely.
It’s best to act before that happens to avoid losing access to important chats, media, or contacts.
What You Should Do If Your iPhone Is Affected?
1. Upgrade to a Newer iPhone
The most straightforward solution is to upgrade to a device that supports iOS 15.1 or higher. Most modern iPhones, including:
- iPhone 7 and later
- iPhone SE (2nd gen and 3rd gen)
- iPhone 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series
…are compatible with iOS versions well beyond 15.1.
2. Backup Your WhatsApp Data
Before losing access, make sure you:
- Back up chats to iCloud.
- Export individual chats or media if needed.
- Sync your account and contact list to a newer device.
To back up:
- Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
3. Use Alternative Messaging Apps (if applicable)
If upgrading is not an option, consider alternative apps that still support iOS 12.5.7, such as:
- Telegram
- Signal
- iMessage (only for iOS users)
However, you’ll lose access to WhatsApp’s network, which may affect personal or business communication.
Impact on Business and Professional Users
For small business owners or customer service professionals using WhatsApp Business, this update is even more critical. If your device becomes unsupported:
- You won’t receive customer messages.
- You may lose automated business responses or catalog features.
- Access to WhatsApp Web/Desktop will also be restricted.
Upgrading is strongly advised to ensure continuity in operations.
Steps to Transfer WhatsApp to a New iPhone
If you’re moving to a new device:
- Ensure both phones are connected to Wi-Fi and charged.
- On the old iPhone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Move Chats to iOS.
- On the new iPhone, install WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- Follow on-screen instructions to restore from iCloud backup.
Your chats, media, and settings will be transferred securely.
Alternatives for Non-Upgrade Users
If upgrading your device isn’t feasible, there are several alternative solutions to continue messaging with your contacts:
- Use Other Platforms: Consider Telegram, Signal, or even Facebook Messenger, which still support older devices.
- Browser-based Apps: Some services like Facebook Messenger allow using browsers, so you can continue interacting with friends and customers using WhatsApp Web.
- Voice and Video Calls via Other Apps: Using Zoom or Google Meet for professional or personal calls can bridge the gap left by WhatsApp.
However, these alternatives may not fully replace WhatsApp’s unique encryption and group functionalities.
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FAQs About WhatsApp to Stop Working on These iPhones from May 2025
Q1. When will WhatsApp stop working on older iPhones?
A: From May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer work on iPhones running iOS versions lower than 15.1.
Q2. Will iPhone 6 or iPhone 5s get iOS 15.1 updates?
A: No. iPhone 6, 6 Plus, and 5s are capped at iOS 12.5.7 and cannot upgrade beyond that.
Q3. How can I save my chats before the update?
A: Use iCloud backup via WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
Q4. Is there any way to continue using WhatsApp on iPhone 6 after May 2025?
A: No. WhatsApp will completely end support for iPhones that can’t update to iOS 15.1 or later.
Q5. What should business users do?
A: Business users should upgrade devices immediately and back up their WhatsApp Business data to avoid service disruption.
