The KaiOS mobile operating system which is home to the recent line of smart feature phones has finally received an official WhatsApp app. WhatsApp on KaiOS can be downloaded from the KaiStore on feature phones including last year’s Nokia 8110 as well as JioPhone, JioPhone 2 and more.
The KaiOS version of WhatsApp comes with end-to-end Encryption like on Android and iOS and also supports messaging and calling services. The App can be download from the KaiStore on devices running KaiOS with 256MB or 512MB of RAM.
While WhatsApp for KaiOS was previously available for JioPhone, JioPhone 2 and Nokia 8110 users in India, the latest news comes as a wider release, making KoiOS running devices outside of India also access the messaging service. Up until now, KaiOS has shipped to more than 100 million phones globally.
WhatsApp is now available for a total of seven feature phones running KaiOS including the JioPhone, JioPhone 2, Nokia 8110, Cat B35, Doro 7060, Orange Sanza and MTN Smart. KaiOS Technologies has also confirmed that, by Q3 2019, “most” smart feature phones powered by KaiOS will have WhatsApp preinstalled.
Speaking about the launch, WhatsApp COO, Matt Idema said “KaiOS has been a critical partner in helping us bring private messaging to smart feature phones around the world. Providing WhatsApp on KaiOS helps bridge the digital gap to connect friends and family in a simple, reliable and secure way”.
KaiOS Technologies CEO, Sebastien Codeville also commented saying “We’re thrilled to bring WhatsApp to the KaiOS platform and extend such an important means of communication to a brand new demographic. 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”.
WhatsApp on KaiOS will be available for download through the KaiStore.