WhatsApp has announced it will discontinue support for older Android smartphones starting September 8, 2026. The platform is raising its minimum system requirements, meaning devices running Android 5.0 or 5.1 (Lollipop) will no longer be supported.
What This Means for Users
Users who continue using Android 5.0 or 5.1 after the cutoff date will lose access to messaging, calls, and updates. However, those running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer can continue using the app normally, provided they keep it updated to the latest version.
Why WhatsApp Is Phasing Out Older Systems
The decision reflects WhatsApp's push to introduce more advanced features while maintaining performance and security standards. Newer Android versions offer improved speed, security frameworks, and system capabilities. According to a report by WABetaInfo, older devices often lack the power to support these upgrades, limiting innovation. With Android development progressing, maintaining compatibility with outdated systems creates a growing technical gap, especially in emerging markets across Africa and Asia where older smartphones are still widely used.
New Features on the Horizon
Even as it drops support for older devices, WhatsApp continues to develop new tools to improve user experience. One upcoming feature is notification bubbles, designed to make multitasking easier. Instead of switching apps, users will be able to access chats through floating icons that appear on their screen. This builds on existing Android multitasking features but simplifies the process by integrating a dedicated shortcut directly into WhatsApp notifications.
Who Will Be Affected?
Currently, WhatsApp supports Android 5.0 and above. Once the new policy takes effect, support will be limited to Android 6.0 and newer. This change primarily affects users with older smartphones that no longer receive system updates from manufacturers. Many such devices are still in circulation, particularly in developing regions. Even though only a small percentage of users remain on these outdated versions, WhatsApp says the move is necessary to maintain quality and security across the platform.
Backup Your Chats Before the Deadline
To avoid losing important conversations, users are advised to back up their chats before September 2026. WhatsApp provides two main backup options:
- Google Drive backup via in-app settings
- Local storage backup saved automatically on the device
The local backup option is especially useful for users with limited cloud storage, as it allows manual transfer of chat history to another device.
No Changes for iPhone Users
The update applies strictly to Android devices. iPhone and iPad users are unaffected, as WhatsApp will continue to support devices running iOS 15.1 and above.
What You Should Do Now
If your device runs Android 5.0 or 5.1, you will need to either upgrade to a newer Android version (if available) or switch to a more recent smartphone. With the deadline months away, users still have time to prepare and ensure uninterrupted access to WhatsApp's services.
In related news, Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will lose security updates in October 2026. These devices, launched in October 2021, have already received their final major Android OS upgrade. Critical security patches will end later this year, leaving them more vulnerable to new threats. Google extended their support to a full five years, covering both OS upgrades and security patches.
