For security reasons, Whatsapp will no longer support older iOS versions.
Do you have an older iPhone and use WhatsApp regularly? Then you should take a look at your current iOS version. Because in just a few weeks, the popular messenger will stop supporting iOS 10 and 11. Anyone who does not switch to a newer version by the deadline of October 24, 2022 will no longer be able to use WhatsApp from then on.
It has been known for a long time that WhatsApp is increasing the minimum requirements for the Apple operating system. We had already reported on the upcoming change in May. If there was still a good deal of time left before the changeover, you should check now at the latest whether your iPhone is also affected by the new requirements.
No WhatsApp for iOS 10 and 11: These devices are affected
Unfortunately, WhatsApp will soon be finally over for some Apple smartphones. The iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C models have not received an upgrade to iOS 12 from Apple. Owners therefore have no option to continue using WhatsApp on their devices. If you own such a device and Messenger is essential for you, you will probably have to look around for a new smartphone soon.
Several other generations may also be affected by the change. If you own one of the following devices, you should check which iOS version is currently installed on your smartphone and upgrade to a newer version if necessary:
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iPhone 6S und 6S Plus
- iPhone SE (1. Generation)
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
Of course, new devices that have already been released with iOS 12 or higher do not have to worry. By the way, the latest version that the newly introduced iPhone 14 starts with is iOS 16.
more on the subject
Apple introduces iPhone 14 & iPhone 14 Pro: all the info
iOS 12 and newer: How to install the operating system on your smartphone
To find out which iOS version is currently on your iPhone, only small steps are necessary. You open yours first settings
then click on the tab General
and then up Info
. Under Softwareversion
see the currently installed iOS version.
If it still says iOS 11 or lower, don’t worry: Also in the settings you should the point software update
Find. One click is enough and your iPhone starts the installation.
Why is WhatsApp ending support for iOS 10 and 11?
The reason for changing the minimum requirements is primarily due to the security of the messenger. The older operating systems often have vulnerabilities that can also affect the security of the app. If the distribution of the operating system drops far enough, it is no longer worth the risk for the messenger service to still support the old software.
At the same time, it also makes further development easier, since the old operating systems no longer have to be considered when rolling out new functions. The older an operating system is, the more likely it is that there will be compatibility problems with new features.
One of these new features that WhatsApp introduced last month allows you to become invisible to certain app users. Patrick wrote all the information about it in his article:
WhatsApp: Major update makes it easier to make yourself invisible
Are you affected by the new WhatsApp requirements? Or do you always have the latest version of iOS installed? We would be happy to receive your comments!
