WhatsApp to end support for older Android and iOS devices in 2026

Meta has announced upcoming changes to WhatsApp's minimum technical and security requirements, which will result in the service becoming unavailable on several older smartphone models.

For Android users, the first phase of changes will take effect on September 8, 2026. Devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop or 5.1 will no longer be supported, as the minimum requirement shifts to Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher. Affected hardware includes various models such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 3, Motorola Moto G, and older LG and Huawei devices.

Apple users will face changes later in the year. Starting November 30, 2026, WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later to function. This update will exclude older iPhone models, including the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, and the iPhone 6 family.

Meta stated that these updates are necessary to implement advanced privacy tools, data encryption, and artificial intelligence features. The company periodically reviews compatibility to focus development on operating systems that receive regular security updates and possess the technical capacity for new features. Users with affected operating systems will receive in-app notifications and reminders before support ends.