- By Prateek Levi
- Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:10 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
WhatsApp Update: There is some important news out here for Android smartphone users, and it is concerned with one of the most utilized apps, WhatsApp. The Meta-owned app is soon going to update minimum requirements for its platform. The company is set to discontinue WhatsApp support for versions older than Android 6.0, and this phasing out will begin from September 8, 2026. What this means is if you by any chance have a device that is working on Android 5.0 or 5.1, then WhatsApp will soon stop working on it.
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Why Is WhatsApp Doing This?
Well, this step has become necessary for the company as it works towards enhancing the app's capabilities with updates, which enhance its performance, and giving out updates for older Android versions and weaker hardware is a challenge as compatibility issues occur, which makes it difficult to run on older devices. Reports have suggested that there are still many users in countries like Brazil, Pakistan Some African countries and even India are using older versions of Android and even outdated hardware. The change that WhatsApp plans to bring will affect millions of users.
WhatsApp Is Sending Alerts Already
This is not just news anymore, as WhatsApp has started sending out alerts prompting users still using the affected devices. When users who are still on older devices are opening their WhatsApp, a notification informing them that its services will terminate from September 8, 2026, appears.
Who Can Relax
If your phone is on Android 6.0 or newer, you’re in the clear; WhatsApp will keep working without any issues. The same goes for iPhone and iPad users, who won’t be affected at all.
That said, anyone still using Android 5.0 or 5.1 (or anything older) needs to act fast. Try updating your device to a newer version of Android if possible. If your phone no longer supports updates, upgrading to a new device may be your only option. Before that, make sure to back up your chats so you don’t lose any important data.