WhatsApp , the messaging app owned by Meta , has announced that starting May 5th, it will no longer support Apple devices that do not run at least iOS 15.1, excluding models like iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. This decision is based on security and efficiency improvements, as newer operating systems allow for the implementation of more advanced security updates. Affected users are advised to update their operating system if possible or consider purchasing a more recent device; additionally, it is crucial to perform a backup of chats to preserve important data.
The essentials in a few points
- 📱 WhatsApp will end support for Apple devices that do not use at least iOS 15.1. Older models like iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 will be excluded.
- 🔒 The decision is motivated by security and performance needs, improving privacy and data protection.
- 🔄 Users can try to update their operating system, but in many cases, it will be necessary to consider a new device.
- 🗂️ It is important to perform a backup of WhatsApp chats to avoid losing data, using cloud services like iCloud.
WhatsApp and the exclusion of old Apple devices
WhatsApp, the messaging application owned by Meta , has recently announced an important change that will affect users of older Apple devices. Starting May 5th, the app will stop supporting devices that do not run at least iOS 15.1. This means that models like iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus will be excluded from accessing the popular messaging platform.
Reasons behind the decision
The decision to exclude certain devices was not made lightly. WhatsApp cited security and application efficiency as the main reasons for this move. With newer operating systems, the app is able to implement more advanced security updates, thus protecting users’ privacy and data. Additionally, the new versions of the application are designed to operate more efficiently, taking advantage of the advanced capabilities of recent operating systems.
Solutions for users
For users who own one of the affected devices, there are some solutions to consider. First of all, if possible, it is advisable to update the operating system of their device to a version compatible with iOS 15.1. However, for many of the listed devices, this may not be possible due to hardware limitations. In that case, users may want to consider purchasing a new device that supports the latest versions of iOS.
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The importance of chat backup
Another crucial step for users who might be affected by this exclusion is performing a backup of WhatsApp chats. Before May 5th, users should ensure they have a copy of all important conversations. This can be easily done using the built-in backup feature in the app, which allows saving chats to iCloud or other cloud storage services, ensuring that data is not lost during the transition to a new device or operating system.
