Whatsapp Now Available On Feature Phones Running Kaios

KaiOS is the web-based feature phone OS that Google has heavily invested in. KaiOS, the phone operating system used on feature phones like last year’s Nokia 8110 remake, finally has an official version of WhatsApp.

The app can be downloaded from the KaiStore for KaiOS devices with 256MB or 512MB of RAM, and it will come preinstalled on select phones starting in the third quarter of this year. The KaiOS version of the app supports both calling and messaging, and it includes end-to-end encryption just like it does on Android and iOS.

WhatsApp was already available on the KaiOS-powered JioPhone in India, but other models had to wait for a wider release.

In markets like Zimbabwe, phones like the Nokia 8110 are the best buy since we have 18 hours load shading. The Phone is ideal cause of its low-cost, simplicity, and long battery life (the Nokia 8110 has 25 days of standby, for example) are much more essential. WhatsApp is a near-essential communications service, and now users won’t be cut out from it if they don’t own a smartphone.

KaiOS Technologies CEO Sebastien Codeville said the company is thrilled to bring WhatsApp to the KaiOS platform and extend the important means of communication to more users.

“We strive to make the Internet and digital services accessible for everyone and offering WhatsApp on affordable smart feature phones is a giant leap towards this goal. We can’t wait to see the next billion users connect in meaningful ways with their loved ones, communities, and others across the globe,” he said, in a press release.