WhatsApp will enforce a new minimum operating system requirement for iPhones and iPads starting November 30, 2026, mandating iOS 15.5 or later for iPhones and iPadOS 15.5 or later for iPads. This change affects owners of five older iPhone models, including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus, who are still running earlier versions of iOS 15.
WhatsApp's New iOS Requirement and Affected Devices
According to WhatsApp's official support page, the messaging platform currently supports iPhones running iOS 15.1 and newer. However, from November 30, 2026, only devices running iOS 15.5 and later will be supported. The Meta-owned company regularly reviews the operating systems it supports, considering older devices with fewer users and operating systems that may lack current security updates or the functionality required to support newer WhatsApp features.
The five affected iPhone models—iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus—can all run iOS 15.8.8, which is above the new minimum requirement. This means owners of these devices do not need to purchase a newer iPhone simply because WhatsApp is changing its requirements.
What Affected iPhone Users Should Do Before the Deadline
Users of the affected devices can continue using WhatsApp by installing the latest software update available for their phones. To check for updates, users should open Settings, select General, then Software Update, and install the latest version supported by their device. They can also confirm the current iOS version by going to Settings, selecting General, and then About.
Updating before the November 30 deadline should allow users of the older devices to maintain access to WhatsApp. The company is expected to notify users running affected software ahead of the deadline and encourage them to update their devices.
Older iPads Also Affected by the Change
The change extends to older iPads as well, with WhatsApp requiring iPadOS 15.5 or later. The iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4, which can be updated to iPadOS 15.8.8, are among the older devices users should check before the deadline.
This move follows WhatsApp's broader practice of phasing out support for older operating systems. In 2025, the platform raised its minimum iOS requirement to 15.1, ending support for devices such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus because they could not be updated beyond iOS 15.0, according to a BusinessDay report.
Most iPhone Users Unlikely to Be Affected
For most iPhone users, the latest change is unlikely to disrupt because devices running newer versions of iOS already meet the new requirement. WhatsApp Business users should also note the November 30 deadline, as the same iOS requirement applies to the business messaging app.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that WhatsApp announced a major update to make voice and video calls easier, smarter, and more convenient for millions of users worldwide. The Meta-owned messaging platform officially launched five new calling features, including voice and video calls directly on web browsers.
