WhatsApp to stop working on millions of smartphones starting January 1

As the clock strikes midnight tonight, millions of users worldwide will find themselves disconnected from the world’s most popular messaging app. Meta has officially confirmed that starting January 1, 2026, WhatsApp will no longer support older operating systems, rendering the app unusable on nearly 25 different phone models.

The move is part of a periodic security and technical update. Meta officials stated that older operating systems lack the necessary security infrastructure and technical capabilities to support WhatsApp's latest features and encryption protocols. For residents in Haringey and Enfield who use older devices to stay in touch with family abroad, this update may require an immediate hardware upgrade.

Which devices are affected?

The app will stop functioning on devices running Android 5.0 and below or iOS 15.1 and below. Users on these platforms will no longer be able to send or receive messages, make calls, or share media.

Notable models that will lose support include:

• Apple: iPhone 5, 5c, 5S, 6, and 6 Plus.

• Samsung: Galaxy S3, S4, S5, Note 2, Note 3, Ace 3, S4 Mini, Trend, and J2.

• Sony: Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3.

• Huawei: Ascend Mate, G740, D2.

• LG: Optimus L3 II, L5 II, F5, L7 II.

Impact on the London community

This change is particularly relevant for the Turkish-speaking community in Hackney and Islington, where older smartphones are often kept as secondary devices or used by elderly family members for international communication. Tech experts in Barnet and Newham advise users to check their phone’s "About" settings immediately and perform a final chat backup to the cloud to avoid losing precious memories and messages.

For those residing in Camden or Westminster, local mobile repair shops are expecting a surge in customers seeking upgrades or data transfer assistance as the new year begins.