WhatsApp to charge businesses and end support for older devices

Meta is implementing two major changes to WhatsApp that will affect both business operations and device compatibility.

Starting October 1, 2026, Meta will introduce charges for certain messages sent via the WhatsApp Business Platform. This change targets companies using the API, chatbots, and CRM integrations for customer service and automated notifications. While individual users can continue to message friends and family for free, businesses will be limited to 1,000 free service messages per month per phone number. Once this limit is exceeded, companies will be charged per message.

Simultaneously, WhatsApp is updating its technical requirements, which will end support for older smartphones. To maintain access, Android users will need at least Android 6.0 (starting October 2026), and iPhone users will eventually require iOS 15.5 (starting December 1, 2026). Affected devices include older models such as the iPhone 5/6 series and various legacy Samsung, LG, Sony, and Motorola handsets. Meta stated these updates are necessary to improve data encryption, security, and to support advanced features like high-definition video calls and artificial intelligence.