WhatsApp will stop working on several older iPhones starting November 30, 2026. The platform will now require iOS 15.5 or higher, impacting models that are unable to update beyond that.
The change applies to both regular WhatsApp and the Business version. The information was provided by the WABetaInfo website and confirmed by the messaging company itself.
Models that will lose support
The list mainly includes devices with hardware limited to iOS 15:
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- First generation iPhone SE
These devices have not received the latest versions of Apple’s system for some time. The iPhone 6S, for example, maxed out iOS 15.8 security updates.
Why WhatsApp is making this change
Meta, owner of the application, justifies the cut in support for security and development reasons. Older versions of iOS do not have the necessary APIs for new features and protection updates. Maintaining compatibility with outdated systems makes it difficult for the app to advance.
This is another step in a process that the company repeats periodically, both on Android and iOS. In 2025, the minimum requirement had already risen to iOS 15.1. Now, the jump to 15.5 leaves behind precisely the oldest “button” models still in use.
What users should do
Anyone who still uses one of these iPhones should update the system to version 15.5 as soon as possible. However, as most of these devices do not support iOS 16 or higher, the only practical way to continue using WhatsApp will be to change devices. The app should start displaying alerts to affected users in the coming weeks.
The measure should affect a relatively small number of people on a global scale, according to WhatsApp itself, but it may be felt by those who keep older devices out of savings or attachment.
