HMD is continuing to restructure itself , pushing human-first technology. With focus on the next one billion users, HMD is ushering in a new era of feature phones. From video calling, to AI assistance and first ever built in digital wallet, HMD is reimagining the feature phone for 2026.
The 2026 Feature Phone
HMD is introducing a new generation of smart feature phone experiences that bring essential digital services to more people than ever before. This includes video calling and messaging, AI powered assistance and a built-in digital wallet on a feature phone for the first time, designed to unlock access, connection and opportunity for people everywhere, including the next billions of users.
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
The 2026 Smart Devices
The recently announced HMD Terra M and HMD Ivalo XE will lead this category. While the Terra M will be available for consumers and enterprise alike, consumers access to Ivalo XE is yet to be confirmed by HMD. Both devices offer unique selling points and the Ivalo XE is certainly one that I hope will be available for consumers to replace either the Skyline or Fusion device.
The 2026 Accessories
HMD Dub and HMD Watch are new accessories that has been announced for markets like the Middle East and North Africa. It will be available for markets in Europe and additional global markets soon. I have reviewed on the DUB X50, DUB P60 and the Watch P1. These new range of accessories certainly delivers more than what they cost and its certainly a great addition to their portfolio.
Softlock
Alongside its feature phone innovation, HMD continues to scale Softlock, its in-house device-based locking and financing platform designed to bridge the digital divide. Softlock enables secure, responsible micro-financing for smartphones. It allows partners to offer flexible payment plans to people who would otherwise be excluded from smartphone ownership, enabling access to close to four million users to date. As one of the leading solutions in the market locking solutions in the market, Softlock will scale further in 2026, with HMD planning to expand its micro-financing platform across additional regions worldwide to unlock access to essential digital services at scale.
For more updates on the go , follow me on X https://x.com/theoriginal086
