WhatsApp will STOP working on three popular phones within days - so, is your device on the list?
It is one of the world's most popular messaging apps, used by more than two billion people around the globe.
But within days, WhatsApp will stop working on three popular phones that are used by millions.
From May 5, anyone still using a trio of Apple devices will no longer be able to send or receive messages on the app.
After this date, only devices running the iOS 15.1 operating system or newer will be supported.
The affected devices are the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6, and the iPhone 6 Plus.
Although these phones now make up a smaller part of WhatsApp users, the decision will leave many fans of the older devices disappointed.
A WhatsApp spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users.
'These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.'
In just days WhatsApp will stop working for three popular phones once used by millions of people (stock image)
From May 5, WhatsApp will only be available on Apple devices running the iOS 15.1 operating system or newer (stock image)
Currently, any iPhone capable of running iOS 12 or newer can use the WhatsApp app.
However, that is set to change when the Meta-owned company releases its next major software update.
Devices unable to update to at least iOS 15.1 or higher will no longer be able to use any features of the WhatsApp app.
However, it is worth noting that Apple also stopped supporting these models some time ago.
The oldest of the affected phones, the iPhone 5s, was released over a decade ago in 2013 while the most recent, the iPhone 6 Plus, was released just a year later in 2014.
All of these iPhone models were discontinued by Apple in 2016 and were officially declared obsolete.
Being added to the obsolete products list means Apple will not service, provide parts to service providers, or release critical software and security updates for the device.
In addition to WhatsApp, Spotify and Instagram are already unavailable on all of these older devices.
The affected devices are the iPhone 5s (left), the iPhone 6 (right), and the iPhone 6 Plus which were all discontinued in 2016 and became obsolete last year
WhatsApp says: 'Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.
'Before we stop supporting your operating system, you'll be notified in WhatsApp and reminded a few times to upgrade.'
iOS 15.1 is available on every iPhone released after the iPhone 6, including the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models.
To make sure you can still use WhatsApp on your phone, it is essential that you update to at least iOS 15.1 or higher - even if you are using a newer, compatible device.
To check which operating system you are currently using, simply open the Settings app, select General, and tap on the 'About' tab.
Under the heading 'Version' you will be able to see the currently installed iteration of iOS.
If you do need to update your iPhone, from Settings navigate to the tab labelled 'General' and select 'Software Update'.
If a newer version of iOS is available, you can press 'Install Now' to begin the update.
To keep using WhatsApp your device will need to be running iOS 15.1 or newer. To check which software you are using, simply open the Settings app, select General, and tap on the 'About' tab (pictured) to show the iOS Version
This comes after the Meta-owned app quietly added a new blue circle icon in the bottom-right corner of your chats. This icon is a shortcut to Meta AI - the tech giant's artificial intelligence-powered chatbot
To ensure you always get the latest software and security updates, you can also consider activating automatic updates by selecting 'Automatic Updates' on the 'Software Update' page.
This comes after a recent WhatsApp update left users furious as the Meta-owned app introduced a subtle change.
WhatsApp quietly added a blue circle icon in the bottom-right corner of all chats.
That circle is a shortcut to Meta AI - the company's artificial intelligence-powered chatbot.
Meta said in a statement: 'Meta AI through WhatsApp is an optional service from Meta that can answer your questions, teach you something, or help come up with new ideas.'
However, as the feature began to arrive for British users, many were unhappy about the change.
On X, formerly Twitter, one user vented: 'Okay, how do I get rid of Meta AI in WhatsApp? The button is constantly hovering in the way and I will never ever use it.'
While another joked: 'Massive “ask AI” button WhatsApp omg just leave me alone man.'
THE TRILLION DOLLAR RISE OF APPLE
1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1 1976 as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.
The first product was the Apple I.
1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market.
Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation's new Macintosh February 6, 1984 in California.
1981: Jobs became chairman.
1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.
1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.
1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000.
The then Chief Executive Officer of Apple, Steve Jobs, with the iPhone
2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.
The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.
2007: Apple unveils the iPhone.
2010: The first iPad was unveiled.
2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.
2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones - the 6 and 6 Plus.
2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services.
2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device.
2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner's face.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks at an Apple event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.
2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers.
2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.
2020: In March, Apple closes all its bricks and mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus.
2021: In an online virtual event in April CEO Tim Cook declared Apple's goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year the iPhone 13 was announced.
2022: In September the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash as well as an improved camera system.
2023: Apple brought back its 'Home Pod' after the first generation was discontinued. The 'Home Pod' can be seen as an alternative to Amazon's Alexa or Google Home as it is powered by voice commands.
2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once with many delayed until the following year.
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