WhatsApp will discontinue service for a wide range of legacy smartphones starting April 15, 2026. Meta, the parent company of the messaging platform, confirmed the move is necessary to maintain system stability as it rolls out advanced security protocols and real-time artificial intelligence features.
Technological limitations in older processors prevent them from handling these new requirements. The company states that the shift is essential to ensure end-to-end encryption and new AI-driven avatar tools function without performance lag.
Device compatibility requirements
Users running Android devices that cannot be updated to version 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher will lose access to the application. For iPhone users, the cutoff is set at iOS 12. Models such as the iPhone 5, 5c, and 6 will no longer be compatible with the service.
Other devices slated to lose support include several older Samsung Galaxy models, such as the Core, Trend Lite, and Ace 2. Various LG Optimus handsets and Huawei Ascend devices are also on the list of affected hardware.
Experts advise users to check their current operating system version immediately. Android users can confirm their status in the 'About Phone' section of their settings, while iPhone users should check 'General' information under their settings menu.
If a device is flagged as incompatible, users should perform a full backup of their chat history to Google Drive or iCloud before the April 15 deadline. Once the application is blocked, retrieving messages will become significantly more difficult.
According to analysis from FayerWayer, this update marks a definitive push toward modern hardware. As applications transition from simple text-based tools into sophisticated AI-powered software, older hardware can no longer keep pace with the necessary processing requirements.
Meta maintains that keeping older versions of the application active creates security vulnerabilities. By cutting off legacy support, the company aims to eliminate potential entry points for data breaches, even at the cost of excluding users with older equipment. Those currently using outdated devices are encouraged to plan for hardware upgrades to ensure continued access to the platform.