WhatsApp to Stop Supporting Older iPhone and Android Versions

Against the backdrop of Apple’s announcements at its annual developers conference, WhatsApp has revealed that it plans to end support for older operating system versions toward the end of the year. Starting on 30 November 2026, devices running iOS 15.4 and earlier will no longer be able to use the messaging app, and users will need to update to iOS 15.5 or later to continue using the service. The company said the update is necessary because its technological infrastructure must be adapted to new features that are regularly added to the app.

The company said it has worked to support both newer and older iOS versions in order to keep the messaging app accessible to as many users as possible. However, it noted that as the app continues to receive new features, its requirements will naturally change. According to WhatsApp, developing and supporting outdated versions slows its ability to offer advanced functions, so the move is necessary. The company clarified that installing an updated version is also required for users of iPadOS 15.5.

"WhatsApp conducts internal research before making decisions of this kind in order to assess how many users will be affected," the company said. "Since WhatsApp carefully manages its priorities to minimize harm to all users, we expect the number of affected users will not be particularly high." The change is also expected to affect WhatsApp Business, which shares the same technological infrastructure. Users are advised to check their operating system version and update as soon as possible, including for the sake of regular security updates. Meanwhile, the company previously announced that it will stop supporting Android devices running versions 5.0 and 5.1, with service for them expected to end earlier, in September 2026.