These Older iPhones Will Need an Update to Keep Running WhatsApp

[MacRumors]

Some older iPhone models will need a software update to keep running WhatsApp from the end of November 2026, after Meta confirmed it is raising the app's minimum system requirements.

From November 30, WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later, up from the current requirement of iOS 15.1.

The models affected are the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. iOS 15.8.8 is the last update these models can install, so owners just need to make sure their device is updated before the deadline.

To be clear, no iPhone is being dropped outright. Every model that can run iOS 15.1 can also be updated to 15.5, so a trip into Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update will be all it takes to stay compatible.

Happily, the new requirements aren't as harsh as last year. In June 2025, WhatsApp cut off the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus entirely, since none of the devices could be updated past iOS 15.0. Affected users were left with web.whatsapp.com as their only option.

Meta says it reviews supported operating systems each year, dropping those with the fewest users and the ones least likely to carry current security updates. Anyone on an affected version will be notified inside WhatsApp and reminded to upgrade before support ends.

Article Link: These Older iPhones Will Need an Update to Keep Running WhatsApp

 

[Dirk Pieters]

Will WhatsApp content be fed into Spotlight and will its content be available to Siri?

I'm in Europe so it really makes no difference to me (😅) but WhatsApp is used intensely here. In fact, almost no one uses Apple Messages.

If the entire "Show me the picture of the golfclubs that my brother sent recently" is solely based on Messages, then hmmmm.

 

[mcilwraith]

who is still rocking an iPhone 6?? im behind the times and ive got a 16.

 

[adrianlondon]

iOS 15? Are you kidding me? Apple is marching ahead with software and features and people are on iOS 15?

The default should be support for up to 2 years maximum, no matter the app, no matter the platform - update your phone or GTFO

My backup phone is my old 6S, so yes, still on iOS 15.

I won't mention my first-gen iPad mini, nailed to a wall and used as a remote controller, forever on iOS 9 ...

They both still work well with FaceTime, iMessage, IMAP mails etc. I'm surprised to be fair, and it wouldn't annoy me if they stopped working.

 

[diewish2007]

If only all these apps were compatible with each other like with email so I could drop WhatsApp and just use the normal Messages app. I hate having to rely on WhatsApp for communication, but everyone in my country uses it.

 

[tonmischa]

cut off the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus entirely, since none of the devices could be updated past iOS 15.0

While it is true that WhatsApp cut off support for those devices, the reasoning given is incorrect.
Saying they couldn't be updated "past iOS 15.0" implies they reached 15.0 but failed to go higher, which is factually wrong.
They never even reached iOS 13. Latest iOS for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus is iOS 12.5.8.

 

[Reverend Benny]

A shame they can't have requirements for every OS version so that they can make sure its up to date.
Why even list 15.5, just put down 15.8.8 so that the latest version is being used.
Same should go for every OS, makes testing easier and the developer knows the app is running on a somewhat secure platform.

 

[Charlie Bonesx]

I refuse to put any meta software on my phone

If people can’t just text message normally then I don’t need to hear from them

 

[adrianlondon]

I don't mind WhatsApp. At least it's all in its dedicated app.

I've never liked the fact Apple mixes SMS and iMessage, and FaceTime audio and normal phone calls. However, iMessage and FaceTime themselves are good.

 

[svish]

Good to know and nice that these models are still able to access WhatsApp. Don't think there will be many active iPhone 6s today.

 

[aj8690]

who is still rocking an iPhone 6?? im behind the times and ive got a 16.

Emerging markets exist.

 

[JosephAW]

Recently Telegram had to drop iOS 12 and now requires at least iOS 13 but love how they try to maintain support as long as they can unlike other companies that require no more than one or two versions back for continued use.

 

[Ursadorable]

I refuse to put any meta software on my phone

If people can’t just text message normally then I don’t need to hear from them

Wisdom +5

 

[icerabbit]

I refuse to put any meta software on my phone

If people can’t just text message normally then I don’t need to hear from them

International markets exist ... where iPhones are well in the minority and most people have been using WhatsApp on Android for a decade if not more; as a free way to text, chat and video chat internationally.


So, while the bulk of my contact is iPhone to iPhone ... I enjoy getting messages, photos and audio chats / video chats from family members and friends abroad who are using Android.

 

[racerhomie]

Good to know and nice that these models are still able to access WhatsApp. Don't think there will be many active iPhone 6s today.

10s of millions of 6S, 7 are being used in Asia and Africa

 

[fricotin]

who is still rocking an iPhone 6?? im behind the times and ive got a 16.

Rocking an iPhone 7 in Canada running iOS 15.8.7. Also, my main (only) computer is a Mac mini 2012.

 

[iHorseHead]

I refuse to put any meta software on my phone

If people can’t just text message normally then I don’t need to hear from them

I never understood such comments. What do you think you’re exactly adding to the discussion?
Most of Europe uses WhatsApp

 

[Charlie Bonesx]

I never understood such comments. What do you think you’re exactly adding to the discussion?
Most of Europe uses WhatsApp

Agreed

It was a pointless and frivolous comment

I just really hate meta and get triggered easily about it

I also don’t understand why people use it. Do other countries still have mobile plans with pay per use or limited sms messaging?

 

[Fatboy71]

I refuse to put any meta software on my phone

If people can’t just text message normally then I don’t need to hear from them

My thoughts and opinion exactly.

A friend of mine has said a few times about messaging me on WhatsApp.
I told him I don't have it, and I see no point in having it on my phone when we can message and have access to all the features of iMessage with the RCS message that we use to contact each other on.

 

[iHorseHead]

Agreed

It was a pointless and frivolous comment

I just really hate meta and get triggered easily about it

I also don’t understand why people use it. Do other countries still have mobile plans with pay per use or limited sms messaging?

Reading the forums we have much better services than the US.
I pay $10 for TV, 1gb Internet (download) + mobile internet. WhatsApp has group chats etc and I don't know anyone in real life that uses an iPhone (except me).
Just like in South Korea 🇰🇷 🇰they use KakaoTalk, most Europeans use WhatsApp.