WhatsApp will soon cease support for some older iPhone models, and the messaging service, owned by Meta, has restricted beta testers from accessing its latest updates on these devices. As the official deadline approaches in May, users must ensure their iPhones are updated to a current version of iOS to continue receiving WhatsApp enhancements. This increased requirement for the minimum iOS version allows WhatsApp to incorporate support for features that leverage the latest capabilities and technologies of iOS.
WhatsApp Beta Update Requires iOS 15.1 or Newer
Individuals participating in the beta program for WhatsApp on their iPhones need to verify that their devices are running iOS 15.1 or higher prior to installing the beta version 25.1.10.72. This information was reported by WABetaInfo, a site known for accurately tracking updates and new features of the platform.
If your iPhone is still using iOS 14 or an earlier version, you can update it by going to the Settings app, then selecting General > Software Update > Install Now. Completing this update will enable you to install the latest WhatsApp beta version on your device.
This situation marks the end for beta testers utilizing devices like the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPhone 5s. These models are unable to upgrade beyond iOS 14, which means their current WhatsApp beta will function for a few additional weeks before becoming obsolete. Users on these devices can transition to the stable version of the app, which will keep receiving updates until the first week of May.
The stable WhatsApp app for iOS will continue supporting these older models until May 5. After this date, users must upgrade to iOS 15.1 or consider switching to newer smartphones if an update isn’t available.
By discontinuing support for iOS 12, iOS 13, and iOS 14, WhatsApp aims to introduce new features aligned with the more recent versions of iOS. Currently, the app’s listing in the App Store indicates that it requires iOS 15.1 or later, while WhatsApp Business still supports iOS 12 but will also elevate its requirement to iOS 15.1 in May.
