We previously reported that WhatsApp would stop working on older Android and iOS devices – specifically speaking, Android version 2.3.7 and iOS 8. These systems would cease to receive updates on 1 February 2020.
In a new update, WhatsApp has officially noted that they recommend using devices running on Android 4.0.3 or iOS 9 and above to be safe. So even early 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (APi 14) devices are at risk of not receiving WhatsApp updates.
Issues that may arise if your device is affected include the inability to use certain features, which may stop functioning at any time. You also cannot create new accounts or reverify existing ones on these systems.
Phones running these systems are, of course, almost nine-years old; but if you still rely on a smartphone as old as this, we suggest you make the switch to a newer one soon.