WhatsApp will discontinue support for older smartphones beginning June 1, 2025, affecting a range of iPhone and Android devices. The messenger application will no longer function on devices running iOS 15.1 and earlier, as well as Android 5.0 and earlier.

Specifically, the change impacts iPhone models 5S, 6, and 6 Plus as they cannot be updated beyond the specified iOS version. While some reports suggest that iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and SE (1st generation) models will also be affected, these devices can be updated to iOS 15.8.4, thus maintaining WhatsApp functionality.

Users of older devices have two options: update their operating system to a compatible version or purchase a newer device to continue using WhatsApp. This decision comes after a past widespread outage of the messaging service where users reported difficulties sending messages and making calls.