At MWC 2026, HMD presented a new direction for its feature phone lineup, focusing on services such as a built-in digital wallet, video calling via Xpress Chat, and an AI assistant for voice-based tasks.
While these additions are aimed at expanding digital access, especially in markets like India, the overall strategy feels increasingly service-driven. Instead of announcing bold, practical, and visually distinctive devices, HMD is now primarily announcing platforms and partnerships.
Long-time fans of distinctive hardware experimentation, consider the following: Jola This change may not seem very exciting, as it is being attempted with a community-driven approach. Innovation is happening in the software layer and financial infrastructure, not in the physical device itself. Supported models and availability details will be announced in late 2026.
Now that I’ve written what needs to be written and feel a little more at ease, I’ll explain the new service in a little more detail.
So, HMD announced a new set of services for its feature phone portfolio at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, outlining plans to expand the role of smart feature phones through financial services, communication tools and AI-powered assistance.
The company has announced that it will introduce three major additions to select feature phones by 2026. It’s an AI assistant designed for built-in digital wallets, video calls via a new chat app, and voice-based daily tasks.
Digital wallet with money transfer support
HMD plans to introduce a built-in digital wallet in its feature phones, starting in India in the first half of 2026 and with a broader rollout in the second half of the year.
This wallet is designed to enable secure transfers, allowing users to receive money, store funds on their device, and withdraw cash through local payment systems. Users can also transfer funds to their UPI account for daily payments.
This service is developed in partnership with fintech providers millet 3 and blockchain infrastructure companies polygon lab. HMD says the solution includes device-level security and PIN protection.
India was chosen as the launch market due to its strong remittance flows and continued importance of feature phones.
Video calling on feature phone
HMD is also introducing video calls to feature phones via the new Xpress Chat app. The app supports video calls using the front camera, as well as voice messages, photo sharing, and group chats.
HMD says communication will work between compatible feature phones and smartphones if both devices have the Xpress Chat app installed.
AI assistant to support daily tasks
For the first time, HMD is bringing an AI assistant to its feature phone lineup. The assistant allows users to use voice commands to perform tasks such as making calls, setting alarms, turning on the flashlight, and asking simple questions.
The company says the goal is to simplify navigation and reduce reliance on complex menus, especially for users whose feature phones are their only connected device.
focus on the elderly
HMD also announced a pilot project in partnership with. in touchfor the elderly. The service integrates AI companion functionality into feature phones and can be accessed with a single button press.
The AI is designed to speak slowly, keep personal context, and tailor conversations to older adults. The pilot is scheduled to begin in Europe, with plans to roll it out more widely depending on the results.
