Nigeria WhatsApp Cuts Off iPhone 6 & 12 Other Models: What You Need to Know

Starting June 1, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer be compatible with certain older smartphones. The move comes as the app updates its minimum software requirements to iOS 15.1 and Android 5.1, effectively ending support for 13 legacy phone models, including iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S4, and Sony Xperia Z1.

• WhatsApp states that the update focuses on enhanced security and improved performance.
• iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus are no longer supported.
• Users of iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and iPhone SE (1st generation) can still use WhatsApp, but only if they have updated to iOS 15.8.4.
• Android phones running below version 5.1 have also been cut off.
• Affected users were advised to back up their chats and upgrade their devices before June.

This is part of Meta’s broader push to phase out outdated software. As WhatsApp continues to grow in features, such as encrypted backups and multi-device access, older hardware may struggle to keep up. It’s inconvenient, but crucial for keeping billions of users secure.

The farewell was expected, but it’s a nudge to upgrade or be left behind. For many, the app is the phone. Losing it is like losing signal.