What WhatsApp’s new compatibility rules mean
WhatsApp support ending for older devices means the app will soon run only on phones that meet new minimum operating system versions, so users on outdated software will lose access unless they update their phone’s system or move to a newer device before support is withdrawn. Meta has confirmed that WhatsApp will require at least Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) from 8 September 2026 and iOS 15.5 from 30 November 2026, replacing the previous Android 5.0 and iOS 15.1 baselines. These changes are part of WhatsApp’s yearly review of supported systems to improve security and performance. Devices on unsupported software may still run the app for a short period, but they will no longer receive updates and could eventually be blocked from connecting to WhatsApp’s servers.
Minimum OS requirements: iOS 15.5 and Android 6
To keep using WhatsApp, iPhone owners will need iOS 15.5 or newer from 30 November 2026, while Android users must be on Android 6.0 or higher from 8 September 2026. According to PCMag, WhatsApp raised the bar from iOS 15.1 and Android 5.0 after reviewing which systems still receive modern security updates. Meta says it “regularly review[s] what operating systems we support and make updates” when devices lack current patches or necessary features. This shift affects anyone whose phone is stuck on older software or who has delayed system updates for years. If your device already runs at least iOS 15.5 or Android 6.0, you only need to keep installing future updates; if not, you may face service disruption once WhatsApp stops supporting your current version.
Which iPhones are affected and how to update
Owners of older but still supported iPhones are most at risk if they have not installed recent software updates. Meta’s new iOS 15.5 requirement affects models such as the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, first‑generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus, all of which can go up to iOS 15.8.8. The key point: WhatsApp will not stop working on these devices if they are updated in time. As Mashable notes, “every device currently running iOS 15.1 is eligible for an update to iOS 15.5 or later.” To update, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and install the latest version offered. Make sure your phone has enough battery and storage before starting. After upgrading, WhatsApp will continue to work as usual, with ongoing security fixes and features.
What Android users on older phones should expect
The new Android 6 minimum is a bigger leap for Android users than it is for iPhone owners, because some older Android phones cannot upgrade beyond Android 5.0. PCMag reports that Meta is increasing the requirement by a whole generation, from Android 5.0 (Lollipop) to 6.0 (Marshmallow), which may leave certain devices behind. First, check your version by opening Settings and scrolling to About phone, where your current Android release is listed. If it shows 6.0 or higher, you are safe for now. If it shows 5.x or lower, go to Settings, then System, then Software updates to see if a newer version is available. If no update appears, your phone’s manufacturer likely stopped providing updates, and you may need a newer device to keep WhatsApp running reliably.
How to prepare, migrate chats, or switch devices
If your device cannot meet WhatsApp’s new requirements, start planning early so you do not lose conversations or access. First, create a backup of your chats from WhatsApp’s settings to the cloud service linked to your account. When you sign in on a supported phone later, you can restore that backup during setup. If you can update your OS, do so well before the September and November deadlines to avoid last‑minute issues. Watch for in‑app notifications, as Meta will show reminders to users on affected versions, prompting them to update. If you decide to buy a new phone, choose one running at least Android 6.0 or iOS 15.5, but preferably a newer version to extend future compatibility. After moving, sign into WhatsApp, verify your number, and restore your backup to continue chatting with minimal disruption.
