KaiOS dials Europe, Latin America even as India market grows

BENGALURU: Hong Kong-based mobile operating system KaiOS, which recently raised $22 million from Google, expects to see the share of the Indian market dropping from the current 80% of total KaiOS-powered devices shipped globally as it targets other markets. The shift may happen despite a rise of volumes locally on the back of JioPhone 2’s launch.

“Currently the devices shipped in India account to over 80% of total KaiOS-powered devices shipped globally. However, this is rapidly changing with the launch of new devices like Nokia 8110 and other upcoming ones,” said CEO Sebastien Codeville in a an email response.

“Until earlier this year, only the JioPhone and Alcatel Go Flip were in the market, which is why the percentage from India was still so high,” he explained.


KaiOS will chase markets in Europe and Latin America where the trend of cheap technology and 4G networks is growing.

Counterpoint Research says KaiOS has been able to drive feature phone demand in India, also helping Reliance Jio become the top feature phone brand with its 4G powered JioPhone in the first quarter of 2018.

“India push will remain for KaiOS, but it is also likely to see good opportunity in markets like Europe,” said Tarun Pathak, associate director at Counterpoint Research.

“JioPhone 2 is further expected to push KaiOS in India,” he added.

KaiOS raised a $22 million investment from Google last week as part of Google’s ‘Next Billion Users’ programme.