At the MWC 2026 exhibition, HMD threw down a real technological gauntlet, proving that “smart” features are no longer the preserve of expensive flagships. The Finnish manufacturer announced a large-scale offensive to implement artificial intelligence and neural networks in its affordable multi-function devices. The goal is clear: to breathe new life into classic phones by giving them the capabilities inherent in modern smartphones.
The big news is that in 2026 these devices will become real digital wallets. Thanks to the collaboration with fintech pioneers from Kivi3 and blockchain experts from Polygon Labs, users will be able to send and receive funds in a flash. And since there are no biometric sensors here, security will be entrusted to the tried and trusted PIN code. The first stop for this innovation is India, where mobile payments are a vital part of everyday life.
HMD does not stop at transactions. In partnership with Sarvam AI, the company is implementing a next-generation voice assistant. Forget about complicated menu navigation - the flashlight, alarms and calls will obey voice commands. Moreover, access to chat with an AI bot has also been announced, which turns an ordinary phone into a portal to global knowledge via an Internet connection. Wow, this is definitely a leap into the future for the budget segment!
Caring for the older generation is also in the spotlight. The intelligent assistant specially developed in partnership with InTouch will help seniors navigate the digital world more easily. And to make the picture complete, HMD is also introducing the Xpress Chat messenger. It will support not only traditional voice communication and frame sharing, but also video calls - a feature that until recently seemed unthinkable for this class of devices.
While the focus is initially on the Indian market, the big question remains: which specific models and in which other regions will receive this impressive “intellectual” upgrade? One thing is for sure - the line between a regular push-button phone and a smartphone has just become even thinner.