If WhatsApp has suddenly stopped working on your iPhone, there’s a reason why.
Early last month, Mirror Online published an alert after WhatsApp confirmed that some iPhone models were about to lose support for the popular chat service. The original deadline was set for May 5, but it appears those using older models of Apple’s smartphone were given a reprieve, with the messaging service continuing to stay active.
Sadly, as spotted by the team at 9to5mac, that lifeline has now ended with a trio of iPhone models officially blocked from sending chats, joining groups or making calls.
The update, which affects the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, has been enforced due to these devices no longer being able to upgrade to newer iOS operating systems. For WhatsApp to work, call makers need to be running iOS 15 or later and that’s not something available on those ageing iPhones.
Explaining more, WhatsApp said, “Currently, we provide support for and recommend using the following devices: Android running OS 5.0 and newer iPhone running iOS 15.1 and newer.
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“Once you have one of these devices, install WhatsApp and register your phone number. Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.
“Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.”
If you are still using an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and love WhatsApp, you will now need to switch to something new.
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It’s worth remembering that Apple now offers its latest Apple Intelligence upgrade, which includes features such as automatic image editing, copy editing and the ability to sort your inbox.
If that sounds enticing and you are updating your current device you’ll to buy an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model as these are the only compatible devices.