WhatsApp to require newer iOS version from November 2026, older iPhones must update
WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later version starting November 30, 2026. Here's which iPhone models are affected and why users need to install the latest software update.
If you are an iPhone user who has been putting off that software update forever, WhatsApp has a little nudge coming your way. Meta has confirmed that starting November 30, 2026, the messaging app will require a newer version of iOS to keep running, so that "remind me later" button on your update notification might finally need some attention.
The good news is that no iPhone is getting the boot outright. Your device is not going anywhere, but if it is running an older version of iOS, you will need to get it updated before the deadline hits.
Which iPhones are affected?
Beginning November 30, WhatsApp will require iPhones to run iOS 15.5 or later. Currently, the app supports devices running iOS 15.1 and above.
The change affects users of the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Fortunately for owners of these devices, all of them can be updated to iOS 15.8.8, which remains compatible with WhatsApp's new requirements.
As a result, users will simply need to ensure their device is running the latest available software version. This can be done by heading to Settings, selecting General, and then tapping Software Update.
No iPhones are losing WhatsApp support
Unlike previous compatibility changes, Meta is not dropping support for any iPhone models this time. Every device currently capable of running WhatsApp on iOS 15.1 can also be updated to at least iOS 15.5. In other words, users will not need to replace their phones to continue using the service.
The update is considerably less disruptive than last year's change. In June 2025, WhatsApp ended support for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus because those devices could not be updated beyond iOS 15.0. Users of those models were forced to rely on WhatsApp Web as an alternative.
Meta says it reviews supported operating systems annually, typically discontinuing support for versions with very small user bases or those that no longer receive important security updates. The company added that affected users will receive notifications inside WhatsApp ahead of the November deadline, reminding them to update their devices and remain compatible.
If you are an iPhone user who has been putting off that software update forever, WhatsApp has a little nudge coming your way. Meta has confirmed that starting November 30, 2026, the messaging app will require a newer version of iOS to keep running, so that "remind me later" button on your update notification might finally need some attention.
The good news is that no iPhone is getting the boot outright. Your device is not going anywhere, but if it is running an older version of iOS, you will need to get it updated before the deadline hits.
Which iPhones are affected?
Beginning November 30, WhatsApp will require iPhones to run iOS 15.5 or later. Currently, the app supports devices running iOS 15.1 and above.
The change affects users of the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Fortunately for owners of these devices, all of them can be updated to iOS 15.8.8, which remains compatible with WhatsApp's new requirements.
As a result, users will simply need to ensure their device is running the latest available software version. This can be done by heading to Settings, selecting General, and then tapping Software Update.
No iPhones are losing WhatsApp support
Unlike previous compatibility changes, Meta is not dropping support for any iPhone models this time. Every device currently capable of running WhatsApp on iOS 15.1 can also be updated to at least iOS 15.5. In other words, users will not need to replace their phones to continue using the service.
The update is considerably less disruptive than last year's change. In June 2025, WhatsApp ended support for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus because those devices could not be updated beyond iOS 15.0. Users of those models were forced to rely on WhatsApp Web as an alternative.
Meta says it reviews supported operating systems annually, typically discontinuing support for versions with very small user bases or those that no longer receive important security updates. The company added that affected users will receive notifications inside WhatsApp ahead of the November deadline, reminding them to update their devices and remain compatible.
