YouTube has rolled out a quiet yet significant update with version 20.22.1 of its mobile app. With this update, iOS 16 or later is now a requirement to run the YouTube app, leaving behind a wide range of older Apple devices that are unable to upgrade beyond iOS 15.
This decision impacts users who still rely on legacy iPhones and iPads for streaming videos, as they can no longer use the latest version of the YouTube app on their devices.
The new compatibility requirement affects several popular iPhone and iPad models. Specifically, users with the following iPhones and iPods will no longer be able to install or update the YouTube app:
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPod touch (7th generation)
These devices are limited to iOS 15, which means they no longer meet the minimum system requirement for the YouTube app.
On the iPad side, the following models are impacted:
iPad Air 2
iPad mini 4
Both iPads are restricted to iPadOS 15 and are no longer compatible with the updated app.
Although the app will not work on unsupported devices, users aren’t completely shut out. They can still access YouTube through a mobile browser by visiting m.youtube.com. However, this workaround comes with limitations:
No offline downloads
Less responsive interface
Missing features like smart recommendations and in-app picture-in-picture mode
For many users, especially those accustomed to the smooth experience of the YouTube app, the browser-based version may feel like a downgrade.
This move reflects a broader industry trend where developers are focusing their app development efforts on newer hardware and operating systems. YouTube’s decision aligns with Apple’s recent classification of the iPhone 6 as "obsolete", meaning it no longer receives hardware service or support from Apple-authorized service centers.
The shift also signals that as apps become more complex and performance-intensive, older devices are gradually being left behind due to their inability to meet modern software and security requirements.
Interestingly, WhatsApp has also recently revised its minimum system requirements. As of now, the Meta-owned messaging app requires:
iPhones running iOS 15.1 or higher
Android phones running Android 5.0 or higher
This means that a wide range of older smartphones launched before 2014 are now incompatible with WhatsApp. Affected models include:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
Samsung Galaxy S3
HTC One X
Sony Xperia Z
According to Meta, these older devices lack essential security features and performance capabilities, making them unfit for newer app versions.
For users still dependent on these discontinued devices, these recent app changes serve as a strong signal: it may finally be time to consider upgrading. With major services like YouTube and WhatsApp moving on from older platforms, continued use of these devices could result in diminished user experience and increasing incompatibility.
While legacy devices may still handle basic tasks like calling, messaging, or browsing, the lack of access to essential and frequently updated apps can become a serious limitation for daily use.
Conclusion
YouTube’s latest update has officially ended support for iPhones and iPads stuck on iOS 15. As the digital ecosystem evolves, device manufacturers and app developers are prioritizing security, performance, and feature-rich experiences — making it increasingly difficult for older hardware to keep up.
Whether you’re using an iPhone 6s or an iPad mini 4, it might be time to upgrade your device to stay compatible with essential apps like YouTube and WhatsApp.
Let me know if you want a short version for social media or a comparison chart of affected vs supported devices.