can't download app on a iPhone 4s

The iPhone 4s is an obsolete phone.

It has a 32-bit processor and can't run anything later than iOS 9.3.6. Apple made the transition from 32-bit iPhone processors and apps to 64-bit iPhone processors and apps many years ago – and I would not be surprised to find that all 32-bit apps have been intentionally removed from the App Store.

It does not support 4G or 5G cellular frequencies. In the U.S., carriers have shut down 2G and 3G services, making the iPhone 4s useless as a cell phone. Carriers in many other countries either have shut down their 3G networks or will be shutting them down before too long.

As to what you can do – it's time to get a new, or at least MUCH more recent iPhone. I would suggest one that will be compatible with iOS 18 when iOS 18 comes out. See the list, towards the end of:

iOS 18 Preview - Apple

If you are tempted to get a used iPhone to "save money", first read

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone – Apple Community

so that you will know what to look for to avoid getting an Activation Locked and possibly stolen "brick."

I can't think of any developer that is still writing software that would support iOS 9 found on the iPhone 4s. There is just not any incentive for them to continue to support a device that is 12 years old. For WhatsApp, Meta requires a device that runs at least iOS 12.

macksemmens Said:

"can't download app on a iPhone 4s: why can't i download any app on my iPhone 4s i own my business and would like to download app like WhatsApp but it won't let me do anyone have any ideas on what i could do"

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Getting Older Versions:

Contact the Developer. Or, maybe ask on their forums.