In order to preserve security and guarantee top performance on more recent hardware and operating systems, WhatsApp has said that it would stop supporting a number of outdated smartphones as of May 5, 2025.

Due to their similar system needs, WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will also be impacted by this move.

For iPhone users, WhatsApp will cease to function on iOS versions earlier than 15.1.

Specifically, the following Apple devices will no longer be compatible with the application: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus.

These models are limited to iOS 12.5.7, which falls short of the new minimum requirement.

Earlier in the year, on January 1, 2025, WhatsApp also ended support for Android KitKat (version 4.4) and earlier.

As a result, several Android devices are no longer compatible with WhatsApp.

They are listed as follows;

Samsung Galaxy S3

Galaxy Note 2

Galaxy Ace 3

Galaxy S4 Mini

Motorola Moto G (1st Generation)

Moto E (2014)

Razr HD

HTC One X

One X+

Desire 500

Desire 601

LG Optimus G

G2 Mini

L90

Nexus 4

Sony Xperia Z

Xperia SP

Xperia T

Xperia V

This change is expected to impact a limited number of users, primarily those using smartphones more than a decade old.

Meta states that the change is necessary to allow the app to continue operating efficiently and securely on the latest devices.