[REVISION HISTORY]

WhatsApp support cutoffs for older devices 2026

Updated 7 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-09 00:53 UTC → 2026-09-09 05:57 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, ~~and~~ Sony ~~Xperia~~ 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 ~~has stated that these updates are necessary to keep pace with technological and security advancements, and the company~~ provides advance warnings within the app to allow users time to prepare for these transitions.

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