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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

6 clusters · 47 sources · 41 days · First seen · Last updated

WhatsApp support cutoffs for older devices 2026

Overview

Following Meta’s August 6 announcement regarding WhatsApp support cutoffs, the transition for Android users has reached a critical milestone. As of 8 September 2026, Meta has officially discontinued support for devices running Android 5.0 and 5.1.

This change affects both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business, which now require a minimum of Android 6.0 or newer to function. The cutoff primarily impacts older smartphones unable to receive further operating system updates from their manufacturers. Users on compatible hardware can maintain service by updating to Android 6.0 or higher, while those unable to upgrade software will require a newer device to continue using the service. Specific legacy hardware, such as certain older Samsung Galaxy, Motorola, Sony Xperia, and LG models, may lose access due to this change.

Meta stated that the decision is intended to keep pace with technological and security advancements, noting that older operating systems often lack critical security updates and the ability to support new features like artificial intelligence.

Regarding iOS, the previously announced timeline remains in effect: the minimum requirement for iPhone users will increase to iOS 15.5 on 30 November 2026. Meta provides advance warnings within the app to allow users time to prepare for these transitions.

Entities

WhatsApp · iOS · Android · Google · Apple Inc.

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 15 sources
    WhatsApp ends support for Android 5 devices

    WhatsApp has discontinued support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 as of September 8, 2026. The app now requires Android 6.0 or newer to ensure security and support for new technological features.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
    WhatsApp to end support for older Android and iOS devices

    WhatsApp will end support for Android 5 devices on September 8, 2026, and will raise the minimum iOS requirement to 15.5 on November 30.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
    WhatsApp to end support for older Android and iOS devices

    WhatsApp will end support for older devices, requiring Android 6.0 or later by September 2026 and iOS 15.5 or later by November 30.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 16 sources
    WhatsApp to Drop Support for Older Android and iPhone Devices

    WhatsApp will cease working on Android devices below 6.0 from 8 Sept 2026 and on iPhones below iOS 15.5 from 30 Nov 2026, urging users to update or switch phones.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Netflix ends app support for older Android and iPhone models on Aug 3 2026

    From 3 Aug 2026 Netflix will no longer support its app on many older Android phones (2011‑2014 models) and iPhone models lacking iOS 18, cutting off streaming and updates unless users upgrade.

  6. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    WhatsApp to End Support for Older iPhone and Android Models on Aug 1 2026

    WhatsApp will cease support for older iPhone and Android phones on 1 Aug 2026, affecting devices like iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S4; users should back up data and switch to supported models.

Sources

360mozambique.com · actualidadiphone.com · alnilin.com · amp.bemparana.com.br · androidplanet.nl · araguaiabrusque.com.br · biznismagazin.rs · canaltech.com.br · cincodias.elpais.com · conowego.pl · diarioonline.com.br · elbalad.news · eldiariony.com · emisorasunidas.com · feierabend.de · fonetech.cz · itravelqatar.com · jurisambiente.com.br · kingcar.org.tw · kurir.rs · labandadiario.com.ar · m.olhardigital.uol.com.br · mendozatoday.com.ar · mixvale.com.br · moj.powiat.pl · movilzona.es · negarmag.com · newssanmiguel.com.mx · nlcafe.hu · ocorreionews.com.br · oficinadanet.com.br · oimparcial.com.br · okdiario.com · olhardigital.uol.com.br · portaltailandia.com.br · pplware.sapo.pt · primorska.info · radiocacula.com.br · sesgazetesi.com.tr · seucreditodigital.com.br · soydemac.com · techrepublic.com · telepolis.pl · terra.com.br · timesnownews.com · veja.abril.com.br · xeu.mx

This summary has been updated 7 times: see revision history