Updated
Updated · MacRumors · Jun 11
Meta Raises WhatsApp iPhone Requirement to iOS 15.5 by Nov. 30, 2026
Updated
Updated · MacRumors · Jun 11

Meta Raises WhatsApp iPhone Requirement to iOS 15.5 by Nov. 30, 2026

3 articles · Updated · MacRumors · Jun 11

Summary

  • November 30, 2026 is the cutoff for WhatsApp on older iPhones unless they are updated to iOS 15.5 or later, Meta said.
  • iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus and the first-generation iPhone SE are affected, but all can still install iOS 15.8.8, so no model is losing support outright.
  • Meta said its annual support review drops operating systems with the fewest users and the weakest security-update outlook; WhatsApp will notify affected users inside the app before support ends.
  • Last year’s change was harsher: WhatsApp fully dropped the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus because those devices could not move beyond iOS 15.0.

Insights

Is WhatsApp's update truly about security, or is it pushing a new, AI-powered business model?
How will this cutoff impact communication in developing regions where older smartphones remain prevalent?
Does Meta's security plan ignore the massive e-waste from millions of discarded, functional older phones?