Mikkel Christensen
Millions of users may soon be unable to use WhatsApp as new system requirements take effect.
Millions of users may soon be unable to use WhatsApp as new system requirements take effect.
The changes will begin rolling out ahead of a key September 2026 deadline.
Older smartphones that can’t support newer software updates are most at risk. This could hit users in regions where devices are kept for longer.
Deadline first
From September 8, 2026, WhatsApp will stop working on some older Android phones. Devices running versions below Android 6 will lose access completely.
At the same time, Apple users are also being affected. According to Gulf News, iPhones that cannot run iOS 15.1 or later will no longer be supported.
That includes models like the iPhone 5 and iPhone 6 series. Users on these devices may gradually lose access to messaging features.
Who is affected
The update mainly targets devices that no longer receive software support. Many of these phones are still widely used in parts of the world.
Older operating systems struggle to keep up with modern apps. This makes them more vulnerable to security risks over time.
While newer phones will not be impacted, millions of older devices could be phased out. The exact number remains unclear, but the scale is expected to be significant.
Why it matters
WhatsApp regularly updates its system requirements to improve security. Meta has said older platforms cannot support newer encryption and features.
According to Gulf News, this is part of routine updates to maintain performance. However, it also forces users to upgrade hardware.
The changes reflect a broader trend in the tech industry. Apps are becoming more demanding as features evolve.
What users can do
Users are advised to back up chats before losing access. This ensures messages and media are not lost.
Checking for software updates is the first step. If updates are no longer available, upgrading the device may be the only option.
Without action, users risk losing access entirely. Messaging, calls and other features will stop working once support ends.
Sources: Gulf News
