WhatsApp Ends Support for iPhone 6: Millions Locked Out After June Cutoff

Quick Facts

• Support ended: June 1, 2025
• Minimum iOS required: 15.1
• Affected models: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus
• Impact: Users can’t send or receive new messages
• Fix: Upgrade device or switch platforms

I was outside a busy Apple store in Delhi when I spoke with Rishi, a college student who had been using an iPhone 6 for years. He lifted his phone with a cracked screen and said he had only realised WhatsApp stopped working when an urgent internship message failed to load.

“That one message cost me a whole day,” he told me.

Over the next few days, I interviewed more than a dozen users across Delhi, Noida, and Lucknow. The story was the same: WhatsApp had quietly ended support for older iPhones, and many people found out only after the app stopped responding.

This update affects millions across India, Pakistan, the UAE, Nigeria, and Kenya, where older iPhones are still common because of their strong resale value and the growing refurbished phone market.

What Changed?

WhatsApp now requires iOS 15.1 or newer to run.
Any iPhone stuck below that version will open, but it won’t send or receive messages.

This includes:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

The change was announced earlier this year, but strict enforcement began on June 1, 2025, according to WhatsApp’s updated FAQ

What Users Will See

If you’re on one of these models, you’ll notice:

• Messages stop sending
• No new chats appear
• WhatsApp Business also stops working
• Only old messages remain visible
• You cannot fix this with a reinstall or reset

To keep using WhatsApp, you must upgrade to a supported device or switch platforms.

How This Is Affecting Users

For small businesses, the disruption has been costly.

Shazia, who runs a home bakery in Lucknow, said she missed multiple customer orders because messages stopped showing up. “I didn’t know anything was wrong until a client called me directly,” she said.

In rural Pakistan, where WhatsApp is the primary tool for freelancers and delivery workers, the cutoff has made daily work harder.
Even in the UAE, many migrant workers still rely on older iPhones for international communication because they can’t afford frequent upgrades.

Why WhatsApp Ended Support

A WhatsApp spokesperson explained that the move allows the company to use newer system features that improve performance and security.

In simple terms:
Older devices can’t handle new encryption and modern app requirements.

Apple’s support list also shows that these older models no longer receive iOS updates, which limits what apps can do.

Your Options Now

1. Upgrade Your iPhone (Most Reliable)

Refurbished models are the most affordable choice:

iPhone 8: ₹18,000–₹25,000 in India
iPhone X: ₹30,000–₹40,000

Both support newer apps and updates.

2. Switch to Android

Budget phones from Xiaomi, Samsung, and Realme run WhatsApp smoothly.

3. Use WhatsApp Web (Temporary)

If you were logged in before the cutoff, WhatsApp Web may continue working for a short time.
This is not a long-term fix.

4. Move to Other Platforms

Telegram, Signal, or iMessage (if you upgrade within Apple’s ecosystem).

iPhone 8 vs iPhone X: Quick Comparison

Feature iPhone 8.        iPhone X

Display 4.7" Retina HD 5.8" Super Retina OLED
Chip A11 Bionic A11 Bionic
Unlock Touch ID Face ID
Camera 12 MP single Dual 12 MP
iOS Support Up to iOS 16 Up to iOS 17

User Reactions Online

On Reddit and tech forums, users expressed confusion and frustration:

• “Respect to the people still running a 5s.”
• “My mom’s WhatsApp just died and she didn’t know OS versions even matter.”

These comments show how many casual users don’t track software requirements.

Refurbished Market Spike

Refurbee India, a large resale company, confirmed a sudden rise in demand after enforcement began.

The CEO said enquiries for iPhone 8 models jumped by 30 percent in May as people rushed for affordable upgrades.

How to Back Up Your WhatsApp Data Before Upgrading

This step is essential.
Backups can take time depending on your chat size.
To back up on iPhone:


Settings → Chats → Chat Backup


Connect to Wi-Fi


Confirm your iCloud storage is sufficient


Tap Back Up Now

If switching to Android:

Use WhatsApp’s transfer tool during setup.
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

The Bigger Picture

This update is part of a larger shift in the mobile world.
Tech companies are reducing support for old hardware faster than before.
Apple, Google, and Meta all seem to be pushing users toward quicker upgrade cycles.

In regions where income varies widely, this creates a growing digital divide.
A malfunctioning app is not just a minor inconvenience.
It can cost a job lead, a small business order, or an important family update.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still on an iPhone 6 or earlier, WhatsApp will no longer work the way it used to.
Upgrading is now unavoidable.

But the real story is about access.
As apps evolve, older phone users are being left behind faster than ever.
For millions, this isn’t just a technical update.
It’s a reminder that staying connected now depends on owning hardware that keeps up.

Sources:
WhatsApp FAQ, Meta Updates, Apple Support documentation, user interviews in Delhi–Noida–Lucknow, Refurbee India


For more info you may visit official whatsapp site


Author: Michael B. Norris, Senior Tech Reporter | TrendingAlone News

Michael B. Norris has covered mobile ecosystems, privacy tech, and app evolution for over a decade. I also write for appeared in medium and LinkedIn. he frequently interviews on-ground users to reflect authentic tech experiences.

Was your phone affected? Let us know in the comments.