Three iPhone devices and eighteen Android phones will no longer support WhatsApp.

Even if the New Year is a time for new beginnings, people who prefer to get as much use out of their phones as possible may be frustrated.

Some outdated devices won't be able to launch WhatsApp anymore due to changes made to the operating system compatibility.

There won't be many individuals impacted by this; only those who have the technical know-how to maintain their gadgets in good functioning order for over a decade need be concerned.

However, it's worth reading on to find out if your device is on the list if it's that old.

On January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will cease to support Android's KitKat OS in addition to any previous versions, marking the first compatibility upgrade.


If their handset can be updated to a more recent operating system, some customers who still have KitKat installed on their phones will still be able to use WhatsApp.

However, the manufacturer no longer offers certified updates for a number of older phone models.

This implies that they cannot be updated to a more modern operating system unless the user tries specific do-it-yourself tinkering techniques, which could nullify the phone's warranty and insurance and run the risk of "bricking" it (making it unusable).

At the time of publication, the following list of Android phones was known to be impacted by the January 1 change:

Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini

Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E 2014

HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601

LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90

Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V

The modifications are part of routine updates to make sure WhatsApp remains safe and functioning on newer phones, according to Meta, the company that owns the program.

WhatsApp will no longer support iPhones of a comparable generation later in 2025.

The app will no longer function on iOS versions lower than 15.1 as of May 5.

Some iPhones that are still in use can only be updated to iOS 12.5.7, although some users with older iOS versions can just update their devices.

The iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus are the phones in this category that can still use WhatsApp as of right now, but won't be able to starting on May 5.

WhatsApp Business, which has the same system requirements as the standard WhatsApp app, is also impacted by these changes.