WhatsApp to Drop Support for Older Phones in 2026

WhatsApp is preparing to discontinue support for a range of older smartphones in April 2026, impacting both iPhone and Android users. This decision stems from the need to support the latest features, many of which leverage artificial intelligence, requiring more powerful technical specifications.

Smartphones No Longer Compatible with WhatsApp

The upcoming changes will render WhatsApp incompatible with devices running older operating systems. Specifically, phones unable to update to Android 5.0 Lollipop or iOS 15.1 will be affected. This includes a variety of older models.

Affected Android Devices: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S3, Sony Xperia M, LG Optimus L7 II, and the first-generation Motorola Moto E are among the Android devices slated to lose WhatsApp support.

Affected iPhones: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and earlier iPhone models will also be unable to run the latest versions of WhatsApp.

What to Do If You Have an Incompatible Phone

If you own one of the affected devices, Meta recommends upgrading to a newer smartphone capable of running the required operating system versions. Before making the switch, it’s crucial to back up your WhatsApp data to prevent data loss.

Backing Up Your WhatsApp Data

Android: Open WhatsApp, tap the three vertical dots (Settings), select “Chats,” and then “Backup.” This will store your chat history in Google Drive.

iPhone: Navigate to Settings within the WhatsApp app, tap “Chats,” then “Backup,” and finally “Back Up Now.” Your data will be saved to iCloud.

Meta’s Ongoing Updates and Security Concerns

This move aligns with Meta’s continuous efforts to update WhatsApp with recent features and enhance security. In September 2025, Republican senators sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg requesting answers to whistleblower allegations regarding WhatsApp security according to the New York Times. A lawsuit filed in September 2025 by a former WhatsApp cybersecurity executive, Attaullah Baig, alleges that Meta disregarded internal security flaws, potentially exposing billions of users’ data as reported by The Guardian. Baig claims engineers had unaudited access to user data, including contact information and IP addresses.

Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms, continues to oversee these developments according to Wikipedia. Meta acquired WhatsApp in 2014, recognizing its potential for growth and user engagement as Investopedia details.