WhatsApp Expected to Drop Support for Older Devices May 5

WhatsApp will discontinue support for older devices beginning May 5, specifically affecting iPhones running iOS 12 or older—including iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus—which will no longer be able to send or receive messages on the app. The company cites the need for updated security features and app requirements as reasons for this decision, encouraging users to upgrade their devices to continue using WhatsApp. While these iPhone models were once widely popular, they have been declared obsolete and are no longer supported by many modern apps. WhatsApp regularly reviews which operating systems to support, prioritizing those with more users and up-to-date security. The move is part of WhatsApp's broader strategy to phase out support for devices and operating systems with limited user bases and outdated security standards.