From October 31, 2025, some iPhone models will lose access to WhatsApp due to a change in the app's technical requirements; this adjustment, which also affects users in Spain and Europe, applies to phones that are still on iOS 15.1 or earlier version.
The decision responds to security and stability reasons Regarding the service: WhatsApp prioritizes updated platforms to ensure encryption, recent features, and data protection, so older devices without official support are excluded. without this implying a physical failure of the mobile phone.
When will access be cut off and how will it be applied?
The change will be rolled out gradually: initially, you may experience errors sending messages, problems opening chats, or a noticeable drop in performance, and later the app will stop working completely on affected devices; it's a phased process to Minimize disruptions and risks.
In Europe, and particularly in Spain, the rollout will follow the same pattern: incompatibility notificationsintermittent failures and, eventually, access lockout. This calendar allows users back up your data and prepare for migration before the final cut.
WhatsApp emphasizes that the affected devices represent a small fraction of the active user base, but insists that those still using older versions of iOS may experience issues. progressive loss of function until complete inability.
Which iPhones will lose WhatsApp
The criteria are clear: any iPhone that remains on iOS 15.1 or earlier versions You will lose accessIn practice, this includes models that They cannot be officially updated to an iOS version compatible with the app's current requirements.
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
These phones don't have an official way to update to an iOS version that meets the new requirements; after October 31st, it will be common to see startup errors and problems sending or receiving messages until the app is updated. completely inoperative.
We're talking about devices that are many years old and lack recent security patches; continuing to use them for WhatsApp means taking risks. privacy risks and potential breachesalthough they may still be able to perform basic tasks.
In Spain, the reach is limited in terms of market share, but relevant for those still using older iPhones; therefore, it's advisable to review the system as soon as possible and prevent [the following from happening]. The outage will catch you without a backup.
How to check your iOS version and safeguard your chats
To find out if it affects you, go to iPhone Settings, then General, and then About; in that section You will see the exact version of the systemIf your phone can't go beyond iOS 15.1, it's time to plan for alternatives.
If your iPhone supports a higher version and you haven't installed it yet, it's recommended that you update as soon as possible to maintain compatibility and add security and performance improvements.
When your hardware no longer allows for updates, you'll need to migrate your WhatsApp account to a newer model; before doing so, it's key make a backup to preserve conversations and files.
Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup; from there you can create a backup to iCloud and then, when you install the app on the new iPhone, log in with the same number to restore your history from the cloud.
If you skip the backup, your history will be inaccessible once support for the old computer ends; it's best to get ahead of the curve, prepare the transition calmly, and don't leave it to the last day.
The end of support for iPhones with iOS 15.1 or earlier aims to protect the platform and its users, and although it affects a minority, it's advisable to check your system version, update if possible, and have your iCloud backup ready. May your daily life on WhatsApp continue smoothly.
