WhatsApp to End Support for Legacy Android Versions in September 2026 to Bolster Security and AI Integration
WhatsApp has officially announced it will cease support for older Android operating systems starting September 8, 2026. Under the new policy, the world’s most popular messaging app will require Android 6.0 or higher to function. This move effectively cuts off devices running Android 5.0 and 5.1, as the platform shifts its focus toward modern hardware capable of handling advanced encryption, enhanced performance metrics, and newly integrated AI features.
The company stated that maintaining support for legacy systems has become a bottleneck for innovation. Older hardware lacks the processing power required for the latest security protocols and high-performance messaging tools. By setting a new minimum requirement, WhatsApp aims to ensure a seamless and secure experience for the vast majority of its users, prioritizing the deployment of cutting-edge features that demand modern architecture.