Meta Platforms has announced that WhatsApp will stop working on several older Android smartphones beginning September 8, 2026, impacting users with devices running Android 5.0 and Android 5.1.

The move is expected to affect millions of users worldwide, particularly those using smartphones that are over a decade old. According to reports, access to WhatsApp on devices operating below Android 6.0 will become increasingly restricted before support is fully withdrawn.

The decision comes as WhatsApp continues upgrading its security, privacy protections, and user interface, alongside introducing new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features that require more advanced hardware and software support.

Experts say older devices can no longer support many of these modern functions, prompting Meta to phase out compatibility with aging operating systems.

Users still relying on unsupported phones have been advised to upgrade their devices and back up or transfer their chats, photos, and videos to a newer phone before the deadline to avoid potential data loss.

The development reflects a broader industry trend in which tech companies gradually retire support for outdated software to focus on performance, security, and next-generation features.