Feature phones reimagined: powering inclusion, connection and opportunity for the next billion¹
Human Mobile Devices (HMD) introduces video calling, an AI assistant and a first-of-its-kind digital wallet on a new generation of smart feature phones.
Barcelona, Spain, 1 March 2026 — At Human Mobile Devices (HMD), we have always believed that technology should be purposeful, accessible and built for real life. Today, HMD announces a series of innovations launching through 2026 that reimagine what a feature phone can do: a first-ever built-in digital wallet to unlock financial access, video calling to expand connection across feature phones and smartphones alike, and an AI assistant that bring smarter, more useful functionality to everyday life for people everywhere, including the next billion people¹.
At the heart of this announcement is HMD’s ambition to bring essential digital services to those who remain under-connected, while also delivering thoughtful innovation for mature markets, including solutions tailored for older adults. These innovations are designed not only to help close digital and financial divides, but to make feature phones more capable, inclusive and relevant for everyone globally.
The Feature Phone, Reimagined
In 2026, HMD will expand this vision even further with a new generation of smart feature phone experiences, including:
Secure Remittance on a Feature Phone for the First Time
A built-in digital wallet designed specifically for secure remittance, enabling users to receive money from family and friends quickly and securely, store funds on their device, and cash out through local payment systems. Users can also transfer funds to their UPI account, allowing them to pay for everyday goods using existing payment rails. The service is built with strong device-level security, PIN protection and trusted partners at its core. Launch begins in India in the first half of 2026, with global expansion planned later in the year.
This service is being developed with two specialist partners: Kivi3, a fintech technology provider enabling seamless and compliant digital transfers on feature phones, and Polygon Labs, a global blockchain payments company building and operating infrastructure to move money instantly, reliably, and at internet scale, Together, they are enhancing HMD feature phones with secure, affordable and near-instant international digital transfer capabilities — including use cases such as receiving money from family members abroad.
India is the natural starting point for this journey. It is the world’s largest remittance market, a global leader in digital payments, and a country where feature phones remain essential to everyday life. The recently announced partnership between HMD and Sarvam AI further reinforces India’s role as a global hub for mobile innovation, helping bring locally relevant AI experiences to feature phone users at scale. HMD is a long-standing market leader in feature phones in India, making it the ideal environment to pilot, learn and scale globally. Following the initial launch in India in the first half of 2026, HMD plans a phased international rollout across key markets later in the year.
Video Calling and Messaging
Feature phone users can video call friends and family using the front-facing camera and a lightweight chat application that also supports voice messages, photos and group chats. The experience works seamlessly between feature phones and smartphones when both devices have the Xpress Chat app installed.
AI on a Feature Phone
HMD has taken a thoughtful approach to introducing AI, focusing on making it meaningful, practical and genuinely useful for feature phone users. For the first time, HMD is bringing an AI assistant to its feature phone lineup, helping users perform everyday tasks using simple voice commands. This includes making calls, setting alarms, turning on the torch, and getting quick answers to simple questions, reducing the need for multiple menu layers and button presses. For many users, the feature phone may be the only connected device in the household, and this capability helps ensure they are not left behind as digital services continue to evolve.
Innovation for Older Adults
HMD is bridging the digital divide for older adults by integrating advanced AI companionship into its popular feature phones, building on the success of its family-focused portfolio. In partnership with inTouch, a specialist in reducing senior isolation, HMD is piloting a service that transforms a simple phone into a gateway for connection. Accessible via a single press of a button, the AI is uniquely trained for older ears and minds—speaking slowly, retaining personal history, and engaging in meaningful, context-aware conversation. This pilot will evaluate how cutting-edge AI can support independence and wellbeing on the simplest of devices, laying the groundwork for a broader European rollout.
"We bring sophisticated AI companionship to seniors through the most familiar interface imaginable: their voice, on a simple phone they already trust. We remove the barriers to entry so they can just pick up the device and enjoy connecting. We are thrilled to work with HMD to support seniors and their loved ones, driving deeper connection and greater family well-being."
“At HMD, we believe innovation is most powerful when it makes technology more accessible and meaningful in everyday life. The partnership with Sarvam AI, recently announced in India, is a strong example of how local innovation ecosystems are helping shape the future of mobile experiences. Building on our leadership in feature phones, our teams are reimagining what these devices can deliver — from AI and communication to financial access and digital services. Today’s announcement marks an important step forward as we bring smarter, more inclusive innovation to the next billion users.”
Looking Ahead
HMD’s vision is clear: to transform feature phones into platforms for inclusion, opportunity and secure innovation. By combining hardware, software and services into a single, affordable experience, HMD is enabling access to financial tools, communication and information for people who have traditionally been left behind.
This is just the beginning. More details on product availability, partnerships and international expansion will be shared throughout 2026.
¹ Source: Estimated global mobile phone user base based on publicly available data https://www.aboutchromebooks.com/how-many-mobile-phones-in-the-world/