By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
OLDER SMARTPHONES will no longer support WhatsApp from 5 May 2025, as Meta begins the next stage of its global platform update, targeting devices that no longer meet the app’s minimum security and performance standards.
Meta, which owns WhatsApp, confirmed the decision applies to both individual users and small businesses relying on WhatsApp Business.
The move is expected to significantly affect countries like Nigeria, where the company says it believes that outdated smartphones are still widely in circulation.
“As technology advances, phasing out support for older hardware is necessary to maintain app functionality and security,” Meta said in a statement.
Users of certain iPhones and Android phones will be locked out of WhatsApp unless they upgrade to newer devices. Apple models running below iOS 15.1 will no longer be compatible, including:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
These models cannot update beyond iOS 12.5.7, placing them outside WhatsApp’s new threshold.
On the Android side, the app stopped working on devices using Android 4.4 (KitKat) from 1 January 2025.
The latest rollout will expand that block. Devices losing support include:
Samsung: Galaxy S3, Note 2, Ace 3, S4 Mini
Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Moto E (2014), Razr HD
HTC: One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
LG: Optimus G, L90
Sony: Xperia Z, SP, T, V
Nexus: Nexus 4
To avoid losing access to WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, users must:
▪️Switch to a device running at least iOS 15.1 or Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
▪️Back up chat histories before migrating to a new phone
Meta said the update is part of an ongoing effort to maintain high security standards and ensure stable app performance across all supported devices.
The announcement has triggered concern among users in lower-income regions, where smartphones from earlier generations are still common.
For small businesses and community networks that depend on WhatsApp as a primary communication tool, the update could pose serious disruptions.
Meta said it is urging affected users to take swift action ahead of the May deadline to prevent service interruption and data loss.
