YouTube will stop working on several older smartphones as the app drops support for outdated operating systems. Users can still access the platform via browsers.
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| YouTube will no longer support older smartphones, including models like iPhone 6S and SE (1st Gen), due to OS limitations. Browser access remains available. Image: Collected |
Tech Desk— June 16, 2025:
YouTube, one of the world's most widely used video streaming platforms, has announced that its mobile app will no longer work on many older smartphones. The decision stems from ongoing software upgrades to improve user experience and security, which older devices can no longer support.
As with most modern apps, YouTube regularly introduces new features and functionalities. However, these updates often require the latest operating systems to function smoothly. Consequently, older phone models that cannot upgrade to the latest OS versions are losing app compatibility.
Specifically for Apple users, the YouTube app will now require iOS 16 or later. This means several iPhones will lose access to the native YouTube app, including iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, the 1st Generation iPhone SE, and the 7th Generation iPod Touch. These devices, which no longer support iOS 16 updates, will be affected by the change.
Despite this limitation, users of these devices are not entirely cut off from the platform. YouTube can still be accessed through web browsers. Users can simply visit m.youtube.com via Safari or Google Chrome to stream videos.
This move underscores a broader trend across the tech industry: as apps evolve with more advanced features and security protocols, legacy hardware struggles to keep up. For users still operating older phones, this may be a push toward upgrading devices or relying more heavily on browser-based access.
YouTube Kids and ad-free YouTube Premium services remain unaffected for supported devices, with subscriptions still available at affordable monthly or annual rates.
The platform has yet to announce a similar move for Android devices, but similar updates may be expected as part of ongoing app modernization.