WhatsApp ends support for older iPhone models as compatibility list updated

WhatsApp has announced that it will stop supporting certain older iPhone models, leaving users of outdated devices without access to the popular messaging app unless they upgrade their operating systems or purchase newer phones.

According to the update, iPhones running iOS 12 or earlier will no longer be compatible with the latest versions of WhatsApp. This means models such as the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus are among the devices affected, as they can no longer upgrade to iOS versions required for continued support.

The change reflects WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve the app’s functionality, security, and performance. As newer features are rolled out, maintaining support for outdated operating systems becomes increasingly difficult and can expose users to security vulnerabilities.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, explained that focusing development efforts on newer versions of iOS allows them to enhance user experience with improved encryption, faster updates, and more complex functionalities that older systems cannot efficiently handle.

For users whose devices are affected, WhatsApp recommends upgrading to a newer iPhone model or using a device that can support at least iOS 13 or later. Otherwise, users risk losing access not just to messaging services, but also to critical updates that protect against cyber threats.

The move is part of a broader trend among tech companies phasing out support for aging hardware, pushing customers toward more secure and future-ready technologies. However, the decision has sparked frustration among some users who feel pressured to upgrade their devices despite their phones still working well for other basic tasks.

Users are advised to back up their chat history via iCloud or local storage before the update rollout if their device will no longer be supported.

This update serves as a crucial reminder of the digital divide emerging between users with up-to-date technology and those left behind due to compatibility issues.

Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand