Older Android devices to lose support: Details
As per the report, WhatsApp will stop working on devices running Android versions older than Android 6.0. This means smartphones using Android 5.0 and 5.1 will no longer be able to run the app after the deadline. Currently, WhatsApp supports Android 5.0 and above but this will change as the report noted that the company is moving to support newer features and better performance standards.
WhatsApp is introducing new features that rely on improved system capabilities. For example, it is working on notification bubbles that will let chats appear as floating icons on the screen. While Android already supports floating windows, WhatsApp reportedly aims to simplify access through its own interface. However, such features may not work well on older devices, which is one reason the company is raising the minimum requirements.
Alerts and what users should do
According to the report, WhatsApp has started notifying affected users through in-app alerts. The message informs them about the September 2026 deadline and advises them to take action. Users are encouraged to back up their chats before support ends. Chat history can be saved to Google Drive or through local backups stored on the device.
The update only affects Android devices. iPhones and iPads running iOS 15.1 or later will continue to support WhatsApp without any changes.
