WhatsApp users on Apple devices have several months to prepare for an upcoming software requirement change announced by Meta. Starting November 30, 2026, the messaging platform will require iPhones to run iOS 15.5 or newer and iPads to run iPadOS 15.5 or newer in order to continue using the app.
Users whose devices remain on older operating system versions will lose access to WhatsApp unless they update their software before the deadline, reported NDTV.
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Part of Meta's regular support review
The move is part of Meta's ongoing process of reviewing and updating the operating systems supported across its platforms.
This is not the first time WhatsApp has revised its minimum software requirements. Last year, the company ended support for iOS versions older than 15.1, a change that affected devices such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Most users unlikely to be affected
The upcoming requirement is expected to have a much smaller impact than previous updates.
According to the announcement quoted by NDTV, any Apple device capable of running iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1 can also be upgraded to version 15.5. As a result, no additional iPhone or iPad models are being removed from WhatsApp's supported device list.
However, users must ensure their devices are updated to a compatible software version before the deadline arrives.
Older devices should be checked
Owners of older but still supported Apple devices are being encouraged to verify their software versions. This includes models such as the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4.
These devices can run iOS 15.8.8 or iPadOS 15.8.8, which remain the latest software versions available for those models.
What users need to do
For most WhatsApp users, the change is unlikely to cause any disruption. Devices that are regularly updated should continue functioning normally after November 30.
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Users relying on older Apple hardware, however, should check their software settings and install the latest available updates well before the deadline to avoid losing access to WhatsApp and its messaging services.
