WhatsApp is set to increase its minimum iOS requirement later this year, putting users of five older iPhone models on notice ahead of a November 30, 2026 deadline.
The messaging platform will require iOS 15.5 or later from November 30, replacing the current minimum requirement of iOS 15.1.
However, affected users may not need to replace their devices. The five iPhone models can run iOS 15.8.x, meaning installing the latest software version supported by each device should allow WhatsApp to continue working.
The affected models are:
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
Owners of the devices should check their software-update settings and install the latest compatible iOS version before the deadline.
Users who fail to meet WhatsApp’s new minimum software requirement could lose access to the app after November 30.
The change affects the software requirement rather than automatically making the five iPhone models incompatible with WhatsApp. Updating the devices where possible should therefore be the first step before considering a replacement.
WhatsApp to stop working on five older iPhones from November 30
