WhatsApp Raises Minimum System Requirements for Older iPhones
Meta is raising WhatsApp's minimum system requirements, affecting older iPhone models. Starting November 30, 2026, WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later, impacting iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Owners must update their devices to iOS 15.8.8 before the deadline.
Key points
- Meta is raising WhatsApp's minimum system requirements, affecting older iPhone models.
- Starting November 30, 2026, WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later.
- Impacted models include iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus.
- Owners must update their devices to iOS 15.8.8 before the deadline.
- This change is part of Meta's annual review of supported operating systems, which drops those with the fewest users and least likely to carry current security updates.
Meta has announced that it will be raising WhatsApp's minimum system requirements, affecting older iPhone models. Starting November 30, 2026, WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later, impacting iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Owners must update their devices to iOS 15.8.8 before the deadline.
This change is part of Meta's annual review of supported operating systems, which drops those with the fewest users and least likely to carry current security updates. The affected models will still be able to run WhatsApp, but users will need to ensure their devices are updated to the latest version of iOS.
It's worth noting that this change is not as severe as last year's, when WhatsApp cut off support for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus entirely. Instead, users will be notified inside WhatsApp and reminded to upgrade before support ends.
Sources
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