WhatsApp will stop supporting iPhones running iOS versions older than 15.5 from Nov 30, 2026, requiring affected users to update their devices to continue accessing the messaging platform.
According to WABetaInfo, the change will apply to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business, as both applications share the same underlying codebase.
The update means users currently running iOS 15.0, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 or 15.4 will need to install a newer version of Apple’s operating system before the deadline. However, most users are not expected to require new hardware, as any iPhone capable of running iOS 15 can also be updated to iOS 15.5 or later.
WhatsApp said maintaining compatibility with older operating systems becomes increasingly challenging as the platform introduces new features that rely on capabilities available only in more recent iOS versions.
The company noted that supporting outdated software can slow development and limit the rollout of new features, while also requiring resources to address bugs that are unique to older operating systems.
Users affected by the change are already receiving notifications prompting them to update their devices ahead of the November 2026 deadline.
Business users have also been advised to update their operating systems early to avoid potential disruptions, as WhatsApp Business will follow the same support timeline.
WhatsApp said the move is part of its ongoing efforts to improve app stability, reliability and feature development by focusing support on newer iOS versions that are used by the majority of its customer base.
