From May 5th, WhatsApp will stop working on older smartphones

WhatsApp will stop working on some smartphone models that cannot be updated beyond iOS 15.1 or that have versions of Android 5 or earlier: the list of devices no longer compatible

Starting on May 5th, WhatsApp will cease functioning on certain outdated smartphone models. The messaging app will no longer be compatible with devices that cannot be updated to recent versions of iOS and Android operating systems.

This change is driven by the technological obsolescence of some phones, which no longer receive security updates and thus become vulnerable to potential cyber threats. One of the most significant aspects of this decision involves certain iPhone models, in addition to the usual older Android devices.

iPhone models that will lose WhatsApp support

In particular, the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus will no longer be supported by WhatsApp, as they cannot be updated beyond iOS 15.1. Users of these devices will receive a notification informing them of the need to update their software to continue using the app. However, if their iPhone is not compatible with iOS 15.1 or later versions, the only solution will be to change the phone.

Which Android smartphones will stop working?

As for Android smartphones, the list of devices that will lose support includes models released between 2012 and 2013. Some examples include:

• Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini

• Motorola: Moto G, Droid Razr HD, Moto E

• HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601

• LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90

• Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V

All of these devices run Android 5 or earlier, while Google has already released Android 15. The incompatibility with WhatsApp is mainly due to the fact that these older devices cannot support the app’s latest technologies, such as advanced end-to-end encryption protocols and the integration of Meta’s AI assistant (which is still not available in Europe). Additionally, without security updates, these phones are more exposed to viruses and vulnerabilities.

For users still relying on these devices, there are two options:

• If the phone supports at least iOS 15.1 or a later version of Android, users can try updating the operating system to continue using WhatsApp.

• If the device cannot be updated, the only alternative is to purchase a new compatible smartphone.

  This change is part of WhatsApp’s strategy to improve the security and efficiency of its platform by eliminating support for devices that cannot provide an optimal user experience. However, it does prompt reflection on the issue of planned obsolescence and how users are “forced” to replace perfectly functioning phones.