Meta confirmed that WhatsApp will raise its minimum operating system to iOS 15.5 starting Nov. 30, 2026. The change means any iPhone still running iOS 15.1 must upgrade or lose access to the app. Users can check the new requirement inside WhatsApp, which will prompt an update reminder before the deadline. Failing to update will make WhatsApp unusable, pushing users to the web client.

Devices affected are the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, first‑gen iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The last firmware they can receive is iOS 15.8.8, so installing that version before the cut‑off keeps them compatible. Apple’s support ends with iOS 15.8.8, leaving no further fixes. Unlike the 2025 purge that dropped iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus entirely, this update merely nudges owners to apply the final patch.

WhatsApp reviews supported OS versions annually, retiring those with few users or lagging security updates. A notification will appear inside the app for any device still on iOS 15.1, urging an upgrade. Keeping the software current preserves end‑to‑end encryption and feature parity, ensuring older iPhones remain functional on the platform. Users who ignore the prompt will lose message sync and group chat functionality.