WhatsApp to end support for older Android and iOS devices

WhatsApp is updating its minimum operating system requirements, which will render many older mobile devices incompatible with the messaging platform. Meta has implemented these changes to support new security features, privacy tools, and artificial intelligence capabilities that older operating systems cannot technically sustain.

For Android users, the cutoff is set for September 8, 2026. Devices running Android 5.0 or 5.1 and earlier will gradually lose access. For iPhone users, the deadline is November 30, 2026, requiring a minimum of iOS 15.5 or higher.

The phase-out will occur in stages: users will first stop receiving technical support and updates, followed by service errors in messaging and calls, and eventually total inoperability. Affected hardware includes older models such as the iPhone 5 and 6, Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4 Mini, and various legacy devices from Motorola, LG, Huawei, and Sony.