WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), has historically supported older versions of iOS to allow users with older iPhones to continue using the app. However, as new versions of iOS are released and technology progresses, WhatsApp eventually stops supporting legacy iOS versions that are several years old in order to take advantage of the latest features and security updates.
WhatsApp’s Minimum iOS Version Requirements
Currently, WhatsApp requires users to be running at least iOS 10 or newer on their iPhone to use the latest version of the app. Specifically, the current WhatsApp version (2.22.1.70 as of October 2022) requires iOS 10.0 or newer.
Older iOS versions that are no longer supported include:
- iOS 9 and older
- iOS 8 and older
- iOS 7 and older
If you are running any iOS version older than iOS 10 on your iPhone, you will be unable to use the latest version of WhatsApp or create new accounts. You will need to update your iPhone’s iOS version to continue using WhatsApp.
Why WhatsApp Drops Support for Older iOS Versions
There are a few key reasons why WhatsApp eventually stops supporting older iOS versions:
- Take advantage of new features and APIs: New iOS versions introduce new features, capabilities and APIs that WhatsApp wants to leverage to improve the app’s functionality.
- Security: Older iOS versions often lack the latest security updates and patches. Dropping support allows WhatsApp to enforce baseline security standards.
- Technical limitations: Very old iOS versions lack the processing power and capabilities to run more modern apps efficiently. Dropping support avoids poor performance.
- User base: Over time, most users update to newer iOS versions. Very few people use devices with older iOS installed, so supporting legacy iOS provides diminishing returns.
Impact of Dropped iOS Support on Users
Users still on older unsupported iOS versions are impacted in the following ways when WhatsApp drops support:
- Unable to create new WhatsApp accounts or re-verify existing accounts
- Unable to install latest WhatsApp updates or upgrades
- Missing out on latest features and capabilities
- Potential security vulnerabilities
- Overall degraded performance and experience
Options for Users on Unsupported iOS
Users with iPhones running older versions of iOS that are no longer supported have a few options:
- Update iOS version: Install any available iOS software updates on your iPhone to upgrade to a supported version.
- Get a newer iPhone: If your current iPhone model cannot upgrade iOS any further, consider purchasing a newer iPhone that runs a recent iOS version.
- Use WhatsApp Web: Access WhatsApp through the web browser interface at web.whatsapp.com or through WhatsApp Desktop while connected to your phone.
- Alternative apps: Switch to alternative messaging apps like Telegram or Signal that may still support older iOS versions.
Updating your iPhone’s iOS version is recommended to keep using WhatsApp fully and avoid losing access to your account’s chat history.
iOS Versions WhatsApp Currently Supports
As of October 2022, WhatsApp supports the following iOS versions:
| iOS Version | Release Date | Supported Devices |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 16 | September 2022 | iPhone 8 and newer |
| iOS 15 | September 2021 | iPhone 6s and newer |
| iOS 14 | September 2020 | iPhone 6s and newer |
| iOS 13 | September 2019 | iPhone 6s and newer |
| iOS 12 | September 2018 | iPhone 5s and newer |
| iOS 11 | September 2017 | iPhone 5s and newer |
| iOS 10 | September 2016 | iPhone 5 and newer |
So in summary, WhatsApp supports iOS 10 through the latest iOS 16 on iPhone models going back to the iPhone 5 and newer.
Upcoming iOS Version Changes
Going forward, WhatsApp will likely drop support for iOS 11 in late 2022 or early 2023. iOS 11 initially launched in 2017 and only runs on iPhone 5s and newer models from 2013 to 2015.
Given Apple’s usual 5 years of providing software updates for iPhones, iOS 11 has reached the end of its update lifespan. When WhatsApp requires iOS 12 or newer in the near future, iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus devices still on iOS 11 will be cut off from the latest WhatsApp version.
Checking Your iPhone’s Current iOS Version
If you are unsure what iOS version your iPhone is currently updated to, follow these steps to check:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Tap About near the top.
- Look for the number next to “Software Version” – this shows your current iOS version installed.
You can then refer to the table above to see if your iOS version still supports WhatsApp. If your iPhone is running anything older than iOS 10, you will need to update to continue using WhatsApp.
Updating to a New iOS Version
If you need to update your iPhone’s iOS version to keep using WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to WiFi and plugged into power.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General, then Software Update.
- The Software Update screen will show available iOS updates to download and install. Tap Download and Install.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process. Your iPhone will restart.
Some older iPhone models may no longer be eligible for the latest iOS updates. Refer to Apple’s iOS compatibility information if your iPhone cannot update to a modern iOS version required for WhatsApp.
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp currently requires iOS 10 or newer to use the latest version of the app.
- Older unsupported iOS versions include iOS 9 and below.
- WhatsApp drops old iOS support to take advantage of new features, improve security, avoid technical limitations, and accommodate its user base.
- Users on older iOS can update their iPhone’s iOS version, get a newer iPhone, use WhatsApp Web, or switch messaging apps.
- Currently supported iOS versions are iOS 10 through iOS 16.
- WhatsApp will likely drop iOS 11 support in late 2022 or early 2023.
- You can check your iPhone’s current iOS version in Settings > General > About.
- Updating to the latest iOS version requires WiFi, power, and following the Software Update installation screens.
Conclusion
WhatsApp regularly stops supporting older iOS versions to keep pace with new technology and best serve its user base. Currently, iOS 10 or newer is required to use the latest WhatsApp on iPhones. Users with very outdated iOS versions like iOS 7 to iOS 9 can no longer create new WhatsApp accounts or run the app at all. Updating your iPhone’s iOS version is necessary to keep actively using WhatsApp if you are on an unsupported legacy iOS version. With iOS updates from Apple usually spanning 5+ years for each iPhone model, you can maximize WhatsApp compatibility by installing all available iOS updates for your iPhone.