WhatsApp is breaking up with your grandpa’s iPhone next week
PSA: If your phone still has a home button, WhatsApp is about to ghost you!
Earlier this year, we told you about WhatsApp calling it quits with a few older phones as they roll out new updates and features.
Well, the time has officially come. You might want to read this carefully if you’re still holding on to an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.
From May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on these three iPhones. There will be no messages, calls, status updates, or anything else.
The app is updating its system requirements, and after this date, only devices running iOS 15.1 or newer will be supported.
A WhatsApp spokesperson explained the move, saying they regularly review older devices with fewer users that may no longer have security updates or the functionality needed to run the latest versions of the app.
So sadly, for fans of these classic iPhones, your time is up.
The iPhone 5s, released way back in 2013, is losing WhatsApp. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which came out in 2014, are also on the conveyor belt of doom.
All three of these iPhones were discontinued in 2016 and marked as obsolete by Apple. This meant no official parts, support, or software updates would be available for them.
Now, WhatsApp is also calling it quits. Not only are these devices being dropped by WhatsApp, but apps like Spotify and Instagram already no longer work on them.
Not sure which iOS version your phone is running? It’s easy to check:
Head to Settings
Tap General
Select About
Check the number next to Version
If the version is lower than 15.1, and your phone can still update, do it now.
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If not, it might be time to start shopping for a new device if you still want to keep chatting on WhatsApp.
However, this isn’t personal. The bottom line is technology moves fast, and while it’s tough saying goodbye to an old favourite, security and performance come first.
May 5 is just around the corner. So, either update your software or your phone.
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