WhatsApp To Require iOS 15.5 From November 30: These 5 iPhones Must Be Updated

WhatsApp users with some older iPhone models will need to check their software before November 30, 2026, as the messaging app is set to require iOS 15.5 or later.

The change means users on an affected iPhone running an older version of iOS will need to update their device to continue using WhatsApp.

Five older iPhone models are particularly relevant to the change: the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

5 iPhones Affected By The WhatsApp Update

The five iPhone models users should check are:

• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus

These models can run iOS 15.5 or later, meaning owners do not necessarily need to replace their phones because of the WhatsApp requirement.

What WhatsApp Users Need To Do

If you use one of these iPhones, the first thing to do is check the iOS version installed on your device.

Go to Settings > General > About and look for the iOS version.

You can also go to Settings > General > Software Update to check whether a newer version is available.

If your iPhone is running an older version, install the latest compatible update before the November 30 deadline.

What Happens If You Do Not Update?

WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later from November 30, 2026.

This means an affected iPhone that remains on an unsupported version of iOS may no longer be able to use WhatsApp normally after the deadline.

However, the five iPhone models will not automatically stop working simply because they are older. The important factor is the version of iOS installed on the device.

You May Not Need To Buy A New iPhone

The good news for owners of these older iPhones is that they can run iOS 15.5 or later.

So, if you have an iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, you may be able to continue using WhatsApp by updating the software.

If your particular device cannot install the required version of iOS, however, you may eventually need a newer iPhone to continue using WhatsApp.

How To Check For An iOS Update

You can check your iPhone for an available software update in a few steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Check the version of iOS installed on your iPhone.
5. Install an available update if your device supports it.

Before updating, make sure your iPhone has enough battery power and is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.

Why WhatsApp Is Changing Its iOS Requirement

WhatsApp periodically ends support for older operating systems as the app develops and introduces new features.

Maintaining support for very old software can also limit the security and technical capabilities available to newer versions of the app.

By setting a minimum iOS requirement, WhatsApp can focus on versions of Apple's operating system that provide the features and security needed for continued support.

Check Your iPhone Before November 30

If you own one of the five iPhone models listed above, check its iOS version before November 30.

If your phone is running an older version, install the latest compatible update available. This will help ensure that you can continue using WhatsApp after the new requirement takes effect.

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