Meta announced that WhatsApp will increase system requirements for iPhone and iPad. From November 30, 2026, the app will only work on devices running iOS 15.5 or newer, and the same goes for iPadOS 15.5.
Reason for change
Devices and operating systems evolve quickly. The company periodically reviews which versions it can support to ensure security, performance and support for new features.
Annually, Meta analyzes the oldest devices with the smallest active user base. These devices often no longer receive security updates or do not have the resources necessary to fully run the app.
Comparison with the previous cut
Last year, WhatsApp had already raised the requirement to iOS 15.1, cutting support for iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus. This time, the change is smoother. Those who already run iOS 15.1 can update to 15.5 without changing devices.
This means that the impact should be smaller than the previous one, according to Meta itself, which carries out internal research to estimate the number of users affected.
Models that need attention
Owners of the following devices should check and update the system as soon as possible:
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPad Air 2
- iPad mini 4
These models receive up to iOS 15.8.8 or iPadOS 15.8.8. Just update to continue using WhatsApp normally after the deadline.
The recommendation also applies to WhatsApp Business users, which follows the same requirements.
What changes in practice
The update is small (from 15.1 to 15.5), but necessary to keep the app running safely. Anyone who doesn’t update by November 30th will lose access to the messenger. With notice given months in advance, there is enough time to act without rushing.
