WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users globally. There has been some confusion recently over whether WhatsApp will stop working on older iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 6.
WhatsApp Ending Support for Older iPhones
In early 2022, WhatsApp announced that they would stop supporting iOS 10 and iOS 11 starting in October 2022. This means that iPhones running iOS 10 and 11 will no longer be able to create new WhatsApp accounts or reverify existing accounts. iPhones must run iOS 12 and newer to use WhatsApp.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus launched with iOS 8 and are upgradeable to iOS 12. So while these devices can still run iOS 12, earlier models like the iPhone 5 and 5C can only run up to iOS 11 and will lose WhatsApp functionality.
WhatsApp Will Continue Working on iPhone 6 for Now
Despite the iOS version requirements, existing WhatsApp users on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will not lose functionality in October 2022. WhatsApp has clarified that the app will continue to work and receive updates on iPhone 6 models even after support ends for iOS 11.
This is because the iPhone 6 and newer devices can still upgrade to iOS 12, meeting the minimum requirements set by WhatsApp. So users on an iPhone 6 can continue using WhatsApp normally for the time being.
When Will WhatsApp Actually Stop on iPhone 6?
WhatsApp has not provided an end-of-support date specifically for the iPhone 6 yet. However, the app will likely stop working on iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sometime in 2023 or 2024.
This is because newer versions of WhatsApp require more advanced iOS features and hardware capabilities. Even though iPhone 6 can run iOS 12, it will not be able to upgrade to newer iOS versions like iOS 15 and iOS 16.
Most experts expect WhatsApp to set an end-of-support date for iOS 12 in 2023. This would cause WhatsApp to stop working on iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, along with other older iPhone models limited to iOS 12.
How to Tell What iOS Version You Are Running
To check what iOS version your iPhone is running:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Look at the number next to “Version”
This will display the exact iOS version on your iPhone. The iPhone 6 can run up to iOS 12.5.5, while the iPhone 6 Plus can run up to iOS 12.5.6.
Summary of WhatsApp Support for iPhone 6
Here is a quick summary of WhatsApp support for the iPhone 6:
| iPhone Model | Max iOS Version | WhatsApp Status |
| iPhone 6 | iOS 12.5.5 | Supported for now |
| iPhone 6 Plus | iOS 12.5.6 | Supported for now |
WhatsApp Alternatives for iPhone 6
If you are currently using an iPhone 6 and rely on WhatsApp, you may want to start thinking about alternatives in case support ends sooner than expected. Here are some alternative messaging apps to consider:
Telegram
Telegram is a popular messaging app like WhatsApp, with a focus on speed and security. It offers features like channels, bots, and sticker packs. Telegram supports iOS 10 and newer, so it will continue working on iPhone 6 for now.
Signal
Signal is widely used for its strong end-to-end encryption and privacy features. It offers secure messaging and voice/video calls. Signal supports iOS 10 and newer, so it will also continue working on iPhone 6.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is convenient for people who already use Facebook. It integrates messaging across platforms like iOS, Android, and desktop. Messenger supports all devices capable of running iOS 10 and newer.
iMessage
Apple’s own iMessage service offers encrypted messaging between iPhone users. It supports texting, group chats, photos, videos, and more. As a native app, iMessage will continue working on iPhone 6 even if WhatsApp stops.
Outlook for WhatsApp Support on iPhone 6
Based on WhatsApp’s current requirements, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus devices will likely lose WhatsApp support sometime in 2023. The exact end-of-support date will depend on when WhatsApp sets new iOS version requirements.
Users can continue enjoying WhatsApp normally on an iPhone 6 through at least October 2022. To prepare for the future, consider trying out alternative messaging apps that will continue supporting older iOS versions.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp’s system requirements to know when your iPhone will lose support. Although inconvenient, ending support for older models allows WhatsApp to offer new features by leveraging the latest iOS capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WhatsApp going to stop working on iPhone 6 in October 2022?
No, WhatsApp will continue working normally on iPhone 6 after support ends for iOS 11 in October 2022. This is because iPhone 6 can still upgrade to iOS 12, meeting WhatsApp’s requirements.
What is the minimum iOS version required for WhatsApp?
As of October 2022, WhatsApp requires iOS 12 or newer. iOS versions earlier than 12, including iOS 10 and 11, will lose WhatsApp support.
Will WhatsApp ever stop working on iPhone 6?
Yes, WhatsApp will eventually stop supporting iPhone 6, likely sometime in 2023. This is because iPhone 6 cannot upgrade past iOS 12, which WhatsApp will eventually drop support for.
Can I still use WhatsApp if I don’t update my iPhone 6?
Yes, as long as you do not update your iPhone 6 past iOS 12, you can continue using WhatsApp normally. However, this is not recommended for security reasons, as outdated iOS versions lack the latest protections.
What happens if WhatsApp stops supporting my iPhone?
If WhatsApp drops support for your iPhone’s iOS version, you will no longer be able to use the app. You won’t be able to send or receive WhatsApp messages until you upgrade your iPhone to a supported iOS version.
Conclusion
In summary, WhatsApp is not stopping on iPhone 6 in October 2022, despite dropping support for iOS 11 and older. This is because the iPhone 6 can still run iOS 12, meeting WhatsApp’s current requirement.
However, WhatsApp will likely stop working on iPhone 6 sometime in 2023, when it sets a new minimum iOS requirement beyond iOS 12. At that point, iPhone 6 users will need to upgrade to continue using WhatsApp.
For now, iPhone 6 users can continue enjoying WhatsApp’s messaging capabilities. But consider trying out alternate apps like Telegram or Signal, in case WhatsApp support ends sooner than expected.
Stay tuned for official updates from WhatsApp on when iOS 12 and iPhone 6/6 Plus will lose support. This will allow you to smoothly transition to a newer iPhone model or alternate messaging platform when the time comes.