WhatsApp is preparing to stop supporting older versions of the iPhone operating system, starting November 30, 2026, in a move that requires users of some devices to update their phones to ensure the application continues to run without interruption.
According to the app''''s official help center, the minimum required operating system will increase from version 15.1 to 15.5, which means that support will cease for devices running older versions that cannot be updated to the required level.
Older phones that require checking for updates include the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE, devices that can continue to run the app if updated to a compatible version.
WhatsApp explained that it annually reviews older operating systems, especially those that are less used, which may lack the security updates and capabilities necessary to run new functions.
Affected users are scheduled to receive in-app notifications, including frequent alerts and reminders before support ends, to allow time to update their devices.
The user can check the compatibility of his phone by going to “Settings”, then “General”, selecting “Software Update”, and installing the latest available version.
The decision does not mean that a new phone is necessary, as the continued operation of WhatsApp is linked to the operating system version, not the device''''s manufacturing date, which allows upgradable phones to retain the application''''s services after the specified date