As smartphone technology advances, it unfortunately means some devices get frozen out, which is exactly what Meta is planning to do to three iPhones.
Two weeks today (May 5), WhatsApp will no longer work on certain Apple phones due to an update that requires an operating system no older that four years.
It will come as a devastating blow to many of its two billion monthly users, with it serving as the most popular messaging app in the world.
Already, WhatsApp has been discontinued for use on the first seven iPhones – released between 2007 and 2013, which includes the original iPhone, the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S, the iPhone 5 and finally, the iPhone 5C.
So, without further ado let’s get into which three iPhones that WhatsApp will no longer work on from next month.
iPhone 5S
Made in 2013, the iPhone 5S is only supported by iOS 12.5.7, and part of the WhatsApp update means iPhones must be compatible with iOS versions 15.1 and beyond.
So, if you’re lucky enough to still have a working iPhone 5S, then you may have to consider ditching it for another device – that is if you’d be willing to make such a move for WhatsApp, part of Meta.
iPhone 6
Next up is the iPhone 6, which was released back in 2014, and like the iPhone 5S the latest iOS available is 12.5.7 – meaning it falls far behind what will be needed to support WhatsApp.
If you’ve managed to nurture your cell phone for more than a decade and it still be in working condition then you need to bottle that wisdom and sell it because most people’s phones begin to falter after two years or so.
iPhone 6 Plus
Ahhh, I remember when the iPhone 6 Plus came out back in 2014. It was the first of Apple’s devices to boast a much bigger screen.
I recall the comments from people saying it would be like walking around with an iPad in your pocket – it was only 5.5 inches. Funnily enough, I own an iPhone 13 which is 5.78 inches in height.
Anyway, the iPhone 6 Plus like the two phones before it, is only supported iOS 12.5.7.
iPhone’s aren’t the only devices to be targeted by WhatsApp’s compatibility updates, with it no longer working on Android’s KitKat OS as of January.
WhatsApp writes on its website: “Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.
“Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.”
