iPhones that will lose WhatsApp support in November
By Valerian Khakayi, September 11, 2026iPhone users on WhatsApp may need to check their devices ahead of a change coming in November, as the messaging platform prepares to raise the minimum iOS version required to use the app.
In a statement, WhatsApp said it currently supports iPhones running iOS 15.1 and newer. However, from November 30, 2026, the platform will only support iPhones running iOS 15.5 and newer.
This means iPhones running older versions of iOS that cannot be updated to at least iOS 15.5 will no longer meet WhatsApp’s minimum requirements.
“Currently, we provide support for and recommend using the following devices: iPhone running iOS 15.1 and newer, but starting November 30, 2026, only iOS version 15.5 and newer will be supported,” WhatsApp said.
Which iPhones could be affected?
From November 30, WhatsApp’s minimum requirement for iPhones will move from iOS 15.1 to iOS 15.5.
The change is based on the iOS version, rather than WhatsApp providing a specific list of iPhone models.
Older iPhones that cannot be updated to iOS 15.5 will not meet the new requirement. Users currently running iOS 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 or 15.4 should therefore check whether their device can be updated to a newer supported version.
It is important to note that some older iPhones can still run iOS 15.5 and will therefore remain compatible with WhatsApp.
How to check your iPhone
iPhone users can check their software version by opening Settings, selecting General, then tapping About.
If the device is running an older version of iOS, users can also check under Settings > General > Software Update to see whether a newer version is available.
Why the change?
According to WhatsApp, the platform regularly reviews the operating systems it supports as devices and software change.
The company said it looks at devices and software that are the oldest and have the fewest users. Such devices may also lack the latest security updates or the functionality needed to run WhatsApp.
“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,” the company explained.
Additionally, WhatsApp said users whose operating system is no longer supported will be notified through the app and reminded several times to upgrade.
The company added that it will continue updating its supported operating systems as it reviews devices and software.