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If you have an older iPhone in your pocket ...your days of messaging on WhatsApp could be numbered. The most popular chat app on the planet, with an astonishing 2.5 billion users worldwide, has confirmed plans to withdraw support for some ageing iPhone models on May 5, 2025.
That means some iPhone owners have just one week to make alternative arrangements.
WhatsApp will make iOS 15.1 the new minimum software requirement next week. If your iPhone cannot be updated to iOS 15.1 or newer, then you'll no longer be able to send or receive messages on WhatsApp.
As it stands, WhatsApp is available on all iPhone models running iOS 12 and newer. The smartphones that will be left behind with the latest shake-up are as follows:
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
The change will also impact WhatsApp Business, which is an offshoot with many of the same features designed specifically for small businesses to use the familiar chat app to communicate with customers.
iPhone 5s was the first handset to introduce Touch ID, the fingerprint scanning technology used to securely unlock and authenticate payments on iPhone for years
UNSPLASH
iPhone 5s, which superseded the iPhone 5 in the lineup in the Apple Store, first launched back in September 2013. Discussing the decision to pull support for these ageing handsets, WhatsApp updated its FAQ with the following notice: "Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.
"Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp."
"Starting May 5, 2025, only iOS versions 15.1 and newer will be supported," the Meta-owned platform states.
The iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus have already been branded "obsolete" by Apple. The Californian company explains: "Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago. Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products."
A customer shows the new products of Apple, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, at an Apple Store in Madrid at the launch of the new devices — with the biggest-ever screen size of any iPhone — in September 2014
GETTY IMAGES
If you have one of these decade-old smartphones in your pocket, you haven't been able to order replacement parts — like the camera models, lithium-ion battery cell, screen, or anything else that's broken — for some time. As such, the decision from WhatsApp to drop support shouldn't be a surprise.
However, those who with hand-me-down iPhone models, like younger or older family members, could now be cut-off from a myriad of messages and group chats on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp users who want to continue using the chat app after May 5 will need to upgrade to a newer iPhone. The iPhone 8 and iPhone X are now the oldest handsets that support WhatsApp.
However, both of these devices stopped receiving software updates from Apple with the launch of iOS 16 in September 2022, so we can summise that these will be the next candidates dropped by WhatsApp.
While this change will affect only a small proportion of WhatsApp's billions of users globally, it will disappoint those who have remained loyal to these classic devices.
The iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus were popular models in their time, with many users still finding them perfectly adequate for basic tasks.
However, as technology advances, older hardware inevitably falls behind. WhatsApp has started to send out notifications to affected users, warning them to update their iOS version to continue using the service.
Save over £100 on iPhone 16 lineup on Amazon
The iPhone 16 refines the standard model with a speedy A18 system-on-a-chip with support for Apple Intelligence, Capture Button, and an improved dual-camera. It skips ProMotion and the 5x periscope zoom found on the pricier Pro models for a balanced, premium-yet-affordable feel.
iPhone 16 (128GB)
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If you're looking for a brand-new iPhone, Apple launched a new iPhone 16 model earlier this year.
Dubbed iPhone 16e, it was created to offer a more affordable entry into Apple’s 2025 lineup without skimping on essentials. It shares the speedy A18 system-on-a-chip, Action Button, and new Capture Button with pricier models, alongside the Apple Intelligence features only available on the latest hardware.
To keep costs down, Apple dropped the ProMotion 120Hz display, stainless steel frame, and advanced camera zoom tech. It sticks with a simpler dual-camera system, an aluminium body, and slightly thicker bezels. Face ID remains, but there's no Always-On Display or satellite connectivity upgrades.
It's perfect for users who want fresh Apple tech without the Pro-level price tag. Although, it's worth keeping an eye out for savings on the iPhone 16 lineup, which launched back in September 2024. Amazon has slashed £100 off the iPhone 16 in its latest sale — making it just £100 more expensive than the affordable new iPhone 16e and the same price as the older iPhone 15 in your nearest Apple Store.
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