WhatsApp is raising the minimum iOS version required to run its messaging app, and owners of five older iPhone models will need to make sure their devices are updated before November 30, 2026 to avoid losing access.
From that date, WhatsApp will require iPhones to be running iOS 15.5 or newer, up from the current minimum requirement of iOS 15.1. The change affects the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
The good news for owners of these devices is that they do not necessarily need to buy a new iPhone. All five models are capable of running iOS 15.8.8, which is the final software version available for that generation of hardware and is above WhatsApp's new minimum requirement.
What Affected iPhone Owners Need to Do
Owners of an iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus should check which version of iOS their device is currently running.
The update can be checked by opening Settings, selecting General, and then choosing Software Update. If an update is available, users can install it from that screen.
Once the device is running iOS 15.5 or a newer supported version, WhatsApp will continue to meet its operating-system requirement. Users should ideally complete the update before the November 30 deadline rather than waiting until support changes.
WhatsApp also says users whose operating system is approaching the end of its support will receive notifications and reminders within the app encouraging them to upgrade.
Why WhatsApp Is Changing Its Requirements
The change is part of WhatsApp's regular review of the operating systems it supports. Meta says it assesses older devices and software versions each year, particularly those with fewer users, limited access to current security updates or functionality that may be required to support the app.
For most iPhone users, the change will have little practical impact because newer devices already run software well beyond iOS 15.5. The affected models were released between 2015 and 2017, meaning the change is primarily relevant to people who have continued using older iPhones as their main devices, secondary phones or hand-me-downs.
The November change also follows WhatsApp's previous adjustment to its iOS requirements. In June 2025, the company raised its minimum requirement to iOS 15.1, which ended support for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus because those models could not be updated to the required software.
This time, the situation is less disruptive. The five affected models can still be updated beyond the new minimum, meaning owners do not have to replace their phones simply because of the WhatsApp change.
For anyone still using one of these iPhones, the practical step is straightforward: check the software version, install the latest available update and make sure the device is running at least iOS 15.5 before November 30.
