Nigerians still clinging to older Android and iPhone models may soon find themselves unable to use WhatsApp starting February and May 2025, respectively.

This is because WhatsApp plans to end support for devices not meeting the necessary operating system requirements.

According to WABetaInfo, a website known for analysing WhatsApp beta versions, the messaging giant plans to end support for the iPhone 5s and popular iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models.

It added that WhatsApp will require iOS 15.1 or later for continued use, meaning several older iPhone models that cannot update beyond iOS 12.5.7 will be left behind.

Most affected phones were released over a decade ago, leaving users with no choice but to upgrade.

Android devices no longer run Whatsapp

Similarly, Whatsapp will no longer be supported on several Android devices starting in February 2025.

According to reports, WhatsApp will also stop supporting several feature phones.

The impacted KaiOS devices include:

JioPhone

JioPhone 2

Nokia 800 Tough

Nokia 2720 Flip

Nokia 2760 Flip

Nokia 2780 Flip

Nokia 6300 4G

Nokia 8000 4G

Nokia 8110 4G

WhatsApp general system requirements

WhatsApp regularly phases out support for outdated operating systems to make way for improved features, security, and performance.

To continue using WhatsApp after the May 5 deadline, users will need to ensure their devices meet the following minimum system requirements:

Android: Version 5.0 (Lollipop) or later

iOS: Version 15.1 or later

Any devices running older operating systems will no longer receive updates.