Phoenix 24
The operating system determines compatibility, making viral lists of supposedly affected phone models potentially misleading.
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA
WhatsApp is preparing to withdraw support from Android devices running versions older than Android 6.0, but the official change is scheduled for September 8, 2026, rather than September 1. Reports presenting the restriction as an immediate shutdown on the first day of the month do not match WhatsApp’s published support timetable.
Android phones currently need version 5.0 or later. Once the new requirement takes effect, devices permanently limited to Android 5.x or an earlier release will no longer receive official support. Users should verify the operating system installed on their individual phone because model names alone do not always establish compatibility. Regional variants, manufacturer updates and custom software can produce different results.
Several devices included in circulating lists, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Note 2 and early Motorola Moto G or Moto E models, may be affected if they cannot install Android 6. Some, however, already operate below WhatsApp’s existing Android 5.0 requirement and therefore are not newly losing access in September.
The iPhone timeline is different. WhatsApp currently requires iOS 15.1 or newer and has announced that the minimum will rise to iOS 15.5 on November 30, 2026. Older models such as the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s and iPhone 6 cannot install iOS 15.1, meaning they are already outside the official requirements rather than becoming incompatible on September 1.
Loss of support does not necessarily mean the application will stop opening at the exact same moment on every device. Unsupported installations may initially continue operating but will no longer receive security patches or feature updates. Login, messaging, calling and verification functions can then fail as the service evolves. Continuing to use an unsupported version also creates avoidable security and reliability risks.
Users can check their Android version under Settings and About Phone. On an iPhone, the information appears under Settings, General and About or Software Update. Anyone unable to install a supported system should create an encrypted chat backup, confirm access to the associated Google or Apple account and transfer the WhatsApp account to a compatible device. The decisive information is the installed operating system, not a generalized list of brand names.
Hechos que no se doblan. / Facts that do not bend.