WhatsApp raises minimum iOS requirement from November 30, 2026: five older iPhones affected
By Aboki Forex —
WhatsApp will require iPhone users to run iOS 15.5 or later from November 30, 2026, up from the current minimum of iOS 15.1. The change affects owners of five older iPhone models still running earlier versions of iOS 15, but it does not mean those phones must be replaced.
The affected models are the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. All five can be updated to iOS 15.8.8, which sits above WhatsApp's new minimum requirement. Owners who install that update can keep using the messaging app after the deadline.
What the deadline means
WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, says it reviews the operating systems it supports as devices and software evolve. The company said the process considers older devices with fewer users, as well as operating systems that may lack current security updates or the functionality needed for newer WhatsApp features.
From November 30, 2026, only devices on iOS 15.5 and later will be supported. The same requirement applies to WhatsApp Business, so business messaging users on older iPhones face the same deadline.
The shift builds on an earlier round of cuts. In 2025, WhatsApp raised its minimum iOS requirement to 15.1, ending support for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus because those devices cannot be updated beyond iOS 15.0, according to a BusinessDay report.
How to check and update
Users can check for available updates by opening Settings, selecting General, then Software Update, and installing the latest version their device supports. The installed iOS version can be confirmed by going to Settings, selecting General, then About.
Updating before the November 30 deadline should keep the older devices connected to WhatsApp.
The change also covers older iPads, 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.
WhatsApp is expected to notify users running affected software ahead of the deadline and encourage them to update.
For most iPhone users, the change is unlikely to cause disruption, since devices running newer versions of iOS already meet the new requirement.
What it means for Nigerian users
Naira pressures have pushed up the cost of new iPhones, so the update path matters. Owners of the five affected models will not need to buy a new device simply because WhatsApp is changing its requirements, provided they install iOS 15.8.8 before November 30, 2026.