WhatsApp is set to introduce a new minimum software requirement for iPhone users from November 30, 2026, potentially affecting owners of some older Apple devices.
According to WhatsApp’s official support information, the messaging platform will require iPhones to run iOS 15.5 or a newer version from November 30. The current minimum requirement is iOS 15.1.
The change means users running iOS 15.0 through iOS 15.4 will need to update their devices before the deadline if they want to continue using WhatsApp.
Five Older iPhone Models Affected
The models commonly identified in reports about the change are:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
These devices are among the older iPhones that can run iOS 15 and are therefore affected by the change in WhatsApp’s minimum software requirement.
However, owners of these models do not necessarily need to buy new phones.
The affected iPhones can install iOS 15.8.8, which is newer than WhatsApp’s incoming minimum requirement of iOS 15.5. Updating the device should therefore allow users to continue using the messaging service.
What Users Should Do
iPhone owners can check whether their devices need an update by opening:
Settings → General → Software Update
If an update is available, users should install the latest compatible version before November 30.
WhatsApp has said that it regularly reviews the operating systems it supports to ensure compatibility with newer features and security requirements.
The company is also ending support for older Android versions as part of its broader effort to raise minimum software requirements.
For iPhone users, the November change is therefore primarily a software-update issue rather than an immediate requirement to purchase a new device.
Users with the affected models are advised to update their phones ahead of the November 30 deadline to avoid disruption to WhatsApp messaging and calling services.
