WhatsApp Discontinues Support for Older iPhone Models: Key Details You Should Know
Instant messaging application by Meta, WhatsApp, is set to drop support for the Older iPhone Models  in the future. From May 5, 2025, iOS, on which WhatsApp is based, will need at least the 15.1 version, according to WABetaInfo. Those who have old iOS versions cannot use the app and they need to update their devices. This change is for both the standard WhatsApp application and the WhatsApp Business application.
Main Updates to WhatsApp Support
At the moment, WhatsApp works with iOS 12 and above versions only. But starting May 2025, devices running on the earlier versions of iOS 15.1 Older iPhone Models  5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus shall not be compatible with this app and the users who own iPhone 7, 8, or the latest models but haven’t updated their operating system can update to the latest iOS version to continue using the WhatsApp.
Why the Change?
The management of WhatsApp has made the decision to stop supporting Older iPhone Models  of iOS because of its desire to integrate new APIs and to launch new features. By ceasing the support of such software, the platform is able to optimize its development and provide a superior quality experience to the users. With the help of new opportunities of the modern versions of iOS, WhatsApp can offer more protected and new functions that would be useful for all users.
Impacted iPhone Models
This update mainly impacts the following models that are ineligible for iOS 15.1:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
Such clients have no option other than to switch to a newer iPhone model or switch to a different smartphone to continue using the app.
New WhatsApp Features
Besides this update, WhatsApp has recently launched the Voice Message Transcript feature. This functionality enables users to transcribe voice messages right within the application, into text. The conversion is done directly on the device, preserving user anonymity since the audio and the text are not visible to WhatsApp. This feature is activated by going to settings – Chats – Voice Message Transcripts.
The last feature, the voice transcription feature, is very useful for users who cannot listen to voice messages at the moment and prefer to read the content.
Preparing for the Change
The deadline has been set for May 5, 2025, which means that users of WhatsApp have more than enough time to either upgrade their devices or update the software. For those who cannot upgrade to iOS 15.1 for some reason, the only way to continue using the services of WhatsApp is to switch to a more modern device.
That the company takes its time to inform users of the beta app of this transition is a sign of responsibility from the company.
This is a natural progression for WhatsApp as the application is updated to fit modern technological specifications, the company cannot continue to support Older iPhone Models . It allows the app to add new features and remain safe and integrated into the users’ devices if the device belongs to the supported ones. If you are using an older model iPhone then it is advised that you upgrade soon in order to be able to fully benefit from the features of WhatsApp.
source:: republicworld.com
