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WhatsApp is about to stop working on popular devices in less than two weeks.
Earlier this month, WhatsApp reported a 'spoofing issue' that allows cybercriminals to carry out attacks through a shared image or file.
Now, in line with security updates, Meta is urging users to check their smartphone software as the messaging app will no longer work on certain popular models starting next month. That said, this shouldn't apply to too many users - only those who managed to keep their devices working for the past 10+ years will need to say farewell.
Older phones will no longer be able to run the app because of changes to WhatsApp’s compatibility with certain operating systems.
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Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, said that this change is to ensure the app stays secure and functional whilst operating on newer phones. These changes affect both the regular WhatsApp application and WhatsApp Business, which has the same system requirements.
This means that iPhones running iOS versions earlier than 15.1 won't make the cut.
If you find your own device mentioned on this list and you don't want to lose access to your messages or group chats, then it might time for a well-overdue upgrade.
Some of these older iPhones can only be updated to iOS 12.5.7, which means there’s no way to keep using WhatsApp on them once the cutoff hits.
If you're not sure what version your iPhone is running, simply go to Settings > General > About. From there, click on Information and then iOS Version, and you will be able to see which iOS is running on your phone.
Meanwhile, the end date for using WhatsApp on older Android devices already passed earlier this year. These older Android phones lost access to WhatsApp on 1 January, 2025:
To check what version of Android your device is running, head to Settings and click About Phone. Then, you will be given the option to view Android Version which will tell you the operating system you have on that device.
