Nearly two months after Reliance Jio announcing WhatsApp for JioPhone on KaiOS, the instant messaging application is now available for public download. In a new blog post, WhatsApp stated the JioPhone and JioPhone 2 users can download the application by visiting KaiOS App Store and clicking on Download. The app will be available for download starting September 10, 2018, but not everyone will be able to see it on App Store today as the complete rollout will happen by September 20, 2018. Other KaiOS device users such as the Nokia 8110 will also be able to download the app right now and use it on their 4G feature phone. For now, only JioPhone and JioPhone 2 are the KaiOS devices available in India.
WhatsApp for JioPhone Running KaiOS
Firstly, do make a note that the WhatsApp for JioPhone is not limited to just JioPhone or JioPhone 2 as every KaiOS user can download the app from the KaiOS App Store. The KaiOS running devices, at the moment, are JioPhone, JioPhone 2 and Nokia 8110. HMD also confirmed that WhatsApp would be available for the Nokia 8110, so users can download it right away by heading over to the App Store. But in the blog post, the Facebook-owned company stated that 'WhatsApp will be available for JioPhone across India.'
"WhatsApp built a new version of its private messaging app for JioPhone, running the KaiOS operating system, to give people a simple, reliable, and secure way to communicate with friends and family," said WhatsApp in the same blog post.
WhatsApp for JioPhone: Features
WhatsApp also detailed the features offered to the JioPhone users. The new app allows basic functionalities such as send photos and videos. And yes, the messages will be end-to-end encrypted. WhatsApp for JioPhone will enable users to easily record and send voice messages with just a couple of taps on the keypad. WhatsApp also stated that it would roll out more features in the future as the KaiOS App Store is compatible for OTA releases.
WhatsApp for JioPhone: How to Use the App
Firstly, users have to head over to the KaiOS App Store and search for WhatsApp. To get started, JioPhone users only need to verify their phone number, and then they can begin chatting with other WhatsApp users one-on-one or in groups.
Finally, JioPhone Gets the Delayed WhatsApp Application
To recall, Reliance Jio announced WhatsApp for JioPhone at the company's Annual General Meeting in July. At the time of the announcement, Jio said that WhatsApp would be available for download from August 15, but later on, the app's availability was postponed as WhatsApp was not able to complete the development on time. Finally, WhatsApp has officially announced the popular instant messaging platform's availability for JioPhone users.
WhatsApp's User Base Will Grow in India
Jio already announced that it has over 25 million JioPhone users in India as of June-end. But the number must've grown bigger over the last two months, thanks to the JioPhone Monsoon Hungama offer. With over 25 million JioPhone users, WhatsApp's user base will only grow bigger in India, and the active user base of the company will also see a surge in the next couple of months.
