WhatsApp is available on smartphones and computers, but has also been available on the feature phone platform KaiOS for a number of years. So you don’t have to buy a potentially expensive smartphone if you want to use the service.
Now WhatsApp and the KaiOS team have announced the availability of WhatsApp voice calls on the platform. The addition comes via an update for WhatsApp on KaiOS, namely version 2.2110.41, and is available worldwide.
“We want to support communities in many parts of the world that work on lighter operating systems,” said WhatsApp COO Matt Idema in a joint press release.
It’s worth noting that the only requirement for WhatsApp voice calls on KaiOS (aside from the required app version) is 512MB of RAM. Devices like India’s JioPhone should run without any problems. Unfortunately, some KaiOS devices like the $ 17 MTN Smart S that we tested a few years ago don’t meet this requirement.
However, this is a pretty big deal as it lowers the barrier to entry for WhatsApp calls from smartphones to much cheaper feature phones. And feature phone users only need a little mobile data or a WiFi hotspot to make and receive calls via the messaging app.
