WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users globally. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and voice messages to individuals or groups. WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook in 2014 but continues to operate as a separate app.
Since its launch, WhatsApp has been updated regularly to add new features and improvements. However, this means that the app requires a certain minimum version of iOS or Android to work properly. So can you use WhatsApp on older iOS versions like iOS 12?
What are the iOS requirements for WhatsApp?
According to WhatsApp’s website, WhatsApp for iPhone requires iOS 10 or newer. This means iOS 12 meets the minimum requirements for running WhatsApp on iPhone. However, because iOS 12 was released in September 2018, it’s now quite outdated as Apple has released several major updates since then.
Here are the minimum iOS versions required for WhatsApp:
- iOS 10 or newer for WhatsApp for iPhone
- iOS 12 or newer for WhatsApp for iOS
So in summary, yes WhatsApp can technically run on iOS 12. But you may experience performance issues or limitations compared to more recent iOS versions.
Limitations of using WhatsApp on iOS 12
While WhatsApp will function on iOS 12, there will be some limitations or disadvantages to consider:
- Missing features – WhatsApp is constantly adding new features, many of which may require a newer iOS version to work properly.
- Performance issues – The app may feel slow or buggy compared to more optimized experience on latest iOS.
- Security – Being on dated OS means missing out on latest Apple security patches.
- Compatibility issues – Some WhatsApp features may not be compatible with iOS 12.
- No iOS 12 updates – You will not get any WhatsApp updates specifically optimized for iOS 12.
Is iOS 12 still safe to use?
iOS 12 was released in September 2018. Apple typically provides software updates for iPhones for 4-5 years after release. This means iOS 12 is still in the window of receiving security updates as of late 2022.
However, iOS 12 is now quite outdated and it’s recommended to update to a newer version for best security. The latest iOS version is iOS 16 released in September 2022. Using dated software like iOS 12 increases security risks due to missing patches for vulnerabilities discovered over the years.
Key security risks of using iOS 12
- Missing security fixes – Lack of patches for exploited vulnerabilities discovered after iOS 12 release.
- Outdated encryption – Weakened protection compared to latest encryption standards.
- Incompatible apps – Security-focused apps may require newer iOS version to work properly.
- Jailbreak risks – iOS 12 is easier to jailbreak, increasing malware risks.
While iOS 12 is still technically supported for now, it’s highly recommended to update to at least iOS 15 for better security and privacy when using apps like WhatsApp.
Steps to update iOS version on iPhone
Here are the steps to check your current iOS version and update to the latest version for best WhatsApp experience:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update. This will show your current iOS version.
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available. Make sure your iPhone is connected to WiFi and plugged into power before starting the update.
- The download may take some time depending on your internet connection. Do not interrupt the process.
- Once download is complete, tap Install Now and follow the on-screen prompts to install the iOS update. Your iPhone will restart during the process.
- After the update is complete, WhatsApp and all your other apps will be optimized for the latest iOS version with new features and better security.
Tips for smooth iOS update
- Backup your iPhone data before updating.
- Make sure you have sufficient storage space for the update.
- Connect your iPhone to stable WiFi and keep it plugged in during the update.
- Quit all running apps before starting the update.
- Avoid interrupting the update process once it begins.
- Your iPhone may restart multiple times during the update process.
Conclusion
In summary:
- WhatsApp can technically run on iOS 12 since it meets the minimum requirements.
- However, iOS 12 is outdated so you may face performance, compatibility or security issues.
- It’s highly recommended to update to the latest iOS version for best WhatsApp experience.
- Updating to the latest iOS only takes a few steps and will optimize WhatsApp with all the newest features.
So while WhatsApp will work on iOS 12, it’s best to keep your iPhone software updated for optimal performance and security when using apps like WhatsApp or any social, shopping and financial apps.