WhatsApp users blocked from sending messages as app stops working on three beloved iPhone models
TIME has run out for a number of WhatsApp users on iPhone after a short reprieve.
The app was meant to stop working at the start of May, on three popular models once used by millions of people.
However this was pushed back a few weeks, according to 9to5Mac.
Now, time is well and truly up with a new cut off deadline striking last night.
Although the affected models are older there are still a small percentage of people using them today.
It's all come about because WhatsApp owner Meta has changed the minimum requirements for iPhone operating system iOS.
Previously, you needed at least iOS 12 but that's now been upped to iOS 15.1.
For most iPhones, that's not a problem as they can be upgraded to the newer software for free.
But the tech on some older iPhones are considered too dated to handle these updates, so they're left behind.
There are three iPhone models that are newly unable to use WhatsApp as such.
These are:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
WhatsApp reveals exacty how to block one of your contacts
The oldest among them is the iPhone 5s, which was released more than 10 years ago.
"Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates," WhatsApp says.
"Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users.
"These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.
"Before we stop supporting your operating system, you'll be notified in WhatsApp and reminded a few times to upgrade."
WHAT TO DO IF I'M AFFECTED
Sadly, if you want to continue using WhatsApp the best option is to upgrade your phone.
Of course, the trusty SMS text message will still work, as well as Apple's own iMessage, so you could switch but you won't have key features like groups anymore as you do on WhatsApp.
If you do opt for an upgrade, it doesn't have to be the most expensive option around.
Even Apple has a new cheaper version of the iPhone.
The latest being the iPhone 16e which starts at £599 / $599.
And there are plenty of good Android options around too if you're tempted to switch, such as the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A56.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
26 minutes ago
- The Independent
ICE operation calls for 5,000 federal agents and 21,000 National Guard troops to make deportation arrests
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has launched the Trump administration's largest deportation crackdown yet, calling for more than 5,000 federal agents and 21,000 National Guard troops to join the arrest effort, according to a report. 'Operation at Large' calls for 3,000 ICE agents, 2,000 Justice Department employees, including from the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency, 500 Customs and Border Protection staff, and 250 from the IRS, NBC News reports. It follows a 'tense' meeting with White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller last month, where he reportedly 'berated' staff and threatened to fire ICE field office leaders who are in the lowest 10 percent of monthly arrest numbers, according to the outlet. The 21,000 National Guard members the administration wants to support ICE have not yet been approved by the Defense Department, NBC reports. Deploying those officials has been 'a source of tension' among some, according to the outlet, who 'feel they have been taken off other core national security missions.' At a meeting in mid-May, Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded immigration agents significantly increase daily arrests to 3,000. Miller, President Donald Trump 's top adviser and architect of the administration's aggressive immigration policies, and Noem told agents they needed to up daily arrests and deportations during the meeting at ICE's headquarters in Washington, D.C. on May 21, according to Axios. The figure is approximately triple the number of daily arrests that ICE agents were making at the beginning of the Trump administration, the outlet noted. While Noem took a 'milder approach' during the meeting, Miller adopted a 'harsh' tone with agents and 'had people leaving the meeting feeling their jobs could be in jeopardy if the new targets aren't reached,' Axios previously reported. Responding to the latest claims about Miller's threats, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told The Independen t: 'Keeping President Trump's promise to deport illegal aliens is something the Administration takes seriously.' 'We are committed to aggressively and efficiently removing illegal aliens from the United States, and ensuring our law enforcement officers have the resources necessary to do so,' she added.
Times
29 minutes ago
- Times
‘Dehumanising' Walt Disney robot horrifies his granddaughter
Act now to keep your subscription We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Times
29 minutes ago
- Times
Putin tells Trump he'll seek revenge for Ukrainian drone strikes
Act now to keep your subscription We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
