WhatsApp has updated its frequently asked questions (FAQ) page, stating that, as of September 8, 2026, the messaging app will only support devices running Android 6 or newer.
Before the change, support for Android devices extended to devices running Android 5. No changes were made to iOS operating system support requirements, which are currently set to iOS 15.1 and newer.
WhatsApp previously dropped support for Android 4 last year, though the iOS version requirements remained unchanged.
The FAQ page further states that supported operating systems are regularly reviewed, as the oldest devices and software with the fewest users often lack the latest security updates or the functionality needed to run the app properly.
Users with an older device slated to lose support will receive a WhatsApp notification reminding them to update prior to the cutoff date.
