WhatsApp, the go-to messaging app for over two billion users, has officially ended support for three older iPhone models the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. As of this week, owners of these devices can no longer send or receive messages unless they upgrade to iOS 15.1 or later.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, says the move is part of an annual review to phase out support for outdated software and hardware. “These devices might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp,” a spokesperson said, justifying the decision based on user numbers and performance limitations.
Though anticipated, the cutoff marks the end of the road for iPhones released between 2013 and 2014. These aging models had already lost access to other major apps like Instagram and Spotify, but WhatsApp’s departure signals a definitive shift modern communication is now out of reach on these phones.
Users still holding onto newer iPhones are being urged to check their operating system version and upgrade if needed. The latest version of WhatsApp requires iOS 15.1 or higher, accessible through the Settings app under General > Software Update.
But the backlash doesn’t stop there. A fresh wave of complaints is brewing over a new persistent “Meta AI” button introduced in WhatsApp’s latest update. The AI chatbot shortcut, now fixed in the corner of every chat, has angered users who see it as intrusive and unnecessary. Despite the criticism, Meta has no plans to make the button removable a stance that’s only fueling frustration.
