Millions of WhatsApp users will need to upgrade their devices or risk losing access to the popular messaging platform starting in 2026. citing the need to maintain security protocols and support evolving operating systems, Meta announced it will discontinue support for select older Android and iOS devices [[1]], [[2]], [[3]]. This move, a recurring practice for the app, aims to streamline compatibility as software demands increase, and will impact models ranging from the iPhone 5 to the Samsung Galaxy S5. Users with affected devices will receive notifications within the app as the changes are rolled out.
Millions of WhatsApp users will face a significant change starting in 2026, as the messaging app updates its compatibility criteria. As a result, certain older phone models will no longer be able to run the world’s most popular messaging application.
Meta’s WhatsApp says the move is necessary to support operating systems capable of receiving updates, integrating new features, and maintaining current security protocols. The shift reflects a broader trend in software development, where maintaining compatibility with increasingly outdated hardware becomes unsustainable.
Phones Losing WhatsApp Support in 2026
According to the messaging company, this device “depuration” is a regular process to identify equipment running obsolete technology. When a phone can no longer update its operating system, it also becomes unable to properly run the latest versions of WhatsApp.
Users will receive alerts within the application before access is suspended. These notifications will allow them to perform backups, update the system if possible, or migrate their account to a more recent device.
The loss of compatibility will be rolled out progressively. Initially, affected phones will stop receiving new features, and eventually, WhatsApp service will be disabled. The following devices are included in this process:
Android Models
- Samsung Galaxy S5
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- Samsung Galaxy Core
- Samsung Galaxy Trend
- Samsung Galaxy J2
- LG Optimus L3
- LG Optimus L5
- LG Optimus L7
- LG Optimus F5
- LG Optimus L3 II Dual
- LG Optimus L5 II
- Motorola Moto G (1st generation)
- Motorola Moto E (1st generation)
- Sony Xperia Z3
- Sony Xperia Z2
- Huawei Ascend D2
- Huawei Ascend G740
- Huawei Ascend Mate
Apple Models
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5
WhatsApp recommends users check their operating system status and take precautions before the 2026 update takes effect.
