In 2026, many users may be surprised when trying to open WhatsApp on their old phones and discovering that the app no longer works. This situation will particularly affect those still using devices over a decade old. Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, has raised the minimum requirements: starting January 2026, it will only function on iPhones with iOS 15.1 or higher and on Android with version 5.0 or later. Devices like the iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S4 will be excluded, as they no longer receive security updates. This change is not unexpected. WhatsApp makes similar adjustments every year to maintain the security and stability of its platform. Outdated operating systems are vulnerable to attacks and hinder the incorporation of new features. The company analyzes the actual usage of devices and the support provided by manufacturers. If a model has few users or no longer receives updates, it is removed from support. This way, WhatsApp ensures that its 2.3 billion users can exchange up to 100 billion messages daily with greater security. To check if your phone will remain compatible, review the operating system version: on Android, go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information and look for Android 5.0 or higher; on iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and verify that you have iOS 15.1 or newer. If your device does not meet these requirements, try to update it. However, many older models may not allow this due to hardware limitations. WhatsApp will notify users with messages within the app before permanently blocking access. Although these phones will still function for traditional calls and messages, WhatsApp will no longer be available: you won't be able to send or receive messages, make calls, or access your chats. If your phone is on the list of those losing support, it is advisable to back up to the cloud as soon as possible. This way, you can transfer your history, photos, and videos to a new device. Without a backup, you will lose your conversations forever, as Meta also advises. Changing phones is the best option: choose one released in 2015 or later to ensure compatibility and longevity. If you wait until the last moment, remember that the blocking will be gradual starting January 2026. Data protection is a priority for WhatsApp. Old systems do not receive security patches, making them vulnerable in an environment where cyberattacks are increasingly frequent. End-to-end encryption requires updated software. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a key role in this transition. Meta uses AI to analyze millions of active devices, usage patterns, and manufacturer support, thus deciding which models will no longer be compatible. Additionally, AI enables the implementation of advanced features like automatic transcriptions, smart summaries, and auto-generated responses, which require greater hardware power. Meta also trains AI models to anticipate threats and optimize server performance, considering a future with up to three billion users. By phasing out older devices, bandwidth is freed up for innovations like AI-powered video calls or augmented reality experiences in chats. A phone like the 2013 Galaxy S4 can no longer meet the demands of modern AI. WhatsApp will integrate features like instant detection of fake accounts and smart suggestions, which will only be available on updated devices. Those who continue using obsolete phones will have to look for alternatives like Telegram or Signal, which support older versions but have fewer users. In Spain, according to Onda Cero, the impact will be notable among those still using models like the iPhone 6 or older Samsungs. Although they do not represent the majority, losing WhatsApp will be a blow for many. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung view this decision positively, as it will boost sales of new models with integrated AI, from neural chips in iPhones to Galaxy AI in the latest Samsungs. This represents growth in the digital ecosystem and greater opportunities for targeted advertising thanks to AI. Some criticize that WhatsApp could have extended support for another year, but security and innovation justify this cut. Advances in AI require moving away from old hardware to avoid service stagnation. Users should prepare to migrate their chats and update their devices soon, as WhatsApp is sending clear notifications: “Update or say goodbye.” Do it before the deadline to avoid losing your data. Your old phone will soon be just a memory, but WhatsApp, with its integration of artificial intelligence, promises a safer and more connected future. (Source: periodistadigital.com)