The change means iPhone users running older versions of iOS will need to update their devices before the deadline if they want to continue using WhatsApp.
However, users of the affected older iPhone models do not necessarily need to buy new phones.
The five models commonly associated with the change can run iOS 15.5 and newer versions within the iOS 15 series, so installing the latest available software update should allow them to remain compatible with WhatsApp. (MacRumors)
The first affected model is the iPhone 6s. Owners of the device should check the software version installed on their phones and install the latest compatible update available.
The iPhone 6s Plus is also included among the older models that users should check. Like the iPhone 6s, the device can run a compatible version of iOS 15, meaning an update may be all that is required to continue using WhatsApp.
The first-generation iPhone SE is another model users should pay attention to. Although the device is several years old, it supports iOS 15, allowing owners to update the software instead of immediately replacing the phone.
The iPhone 7 is also on the list. Users should open the device’s software update settings and install the latest compatible iOS version available before November 30.
The iPhone 7 Plus completes the five-model list. Owners of the larger iPhone 7 should similarly check for software updates to ensure that the device meets WhatsApp’s new minimum requirement.
Reports indicate that iOS 15.8.8 is the latest available iOS 15 update for these models, meaning users who keep their devices updated should be able to meet the new WhatsApp requirement. (MacRumors)
WhatsApp has confirmed that from November 30, 2026, only iPhones running iOS 15.5 or later will be supported. The company says it regularly reviews supported operating systems as devices become older and software requirements change. (WhatsApp Help Center)
Users can check their iOS version by opening Settings > General > Software Update on their iPhones. If an update is available, installing it before the deadline will help ensure continued access to WhatsApp.
The five iPhone models users should check are the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The important factor is the iOS version installed on the device, rather than simply the model name.
The first affected model is the iPhone 6s. Owners of the device should check the software version installed on their phones and install the latest compatible update available.
The iPhone 6s Plus is also included among the older models that users should check. Like the iPhone 6s, the device can run a compatible version of iOS 15, meaning an update may be all that is required to continue using WhatsApp.
The first-generation iPhone SE is another model users should pay attention to. Although the device is several years old, it supports iOS 15, allowing owners to update the software instead of immediately replacing the phone.
The iPhone 7 is also on the list. Users should open the device’s software update settings and install the latest compatible iOS version available before November 30.
The iPhone 7 Plus completes the five-model list. Owners of the larger iPhone 7 should similarly check for software updates to ensure that the device meets WhatsApp’s new minimum requirement.
Reports indicate that iOS 15.8.8 is the latest available iOS 15 update for these models, meaning users who keep their devices updated should be able to meet the new WhatsApp requirement. (MacRumors)
WhatsApp has confirmed that from November 30, 2026, only iPhones running iOS 15.5 or later will be supported. The company says it regularly reviews supported operating systems as devices become older and software requirements change. (WhatsApp Help Center)
Users can check their iOS version by opening Settings > General > Software Update on their iPhones. If an update is available, installing it before the deadline will help ensure continued access to WhatsApp.
The five iPhone models users should check are the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The important factor is the iOS version installed on the device, rather than simply the model name.
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