On October 15th, UC Browser, the popular mobile browser developed by Alibaba’s UCWeb, officially became the first third-party mobile browser available via the KaiStore, the app store for KaiOS-powered devices. The new app is available to download now, for free.

KaiOS, the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones, joins the diverse ranks of operating systems supported by UC Browser, alongside Android, iOS, and others. With the addition of KaiOS, UC Browser now covers all major, mainstream operating systems.

Beyond a basic browsing tool, UC Browser has become a content platform connecting its users with entertainment and trending content from around the world in both traditional and emerging formats, including gifs, articles, memes and videos.

KaiOS’s mission is to make access to mobile internet and digital services a reality for everyone, which aligns perfectly with UC Browser’s goal of serving half of earth’s population.

“We respect KaiOS’s endeavors to connect more users to the Internet, and share the same mission and passion. We are excited to become a part of the ecosystem,” said Will Yan, Partnership Director of UCWeb. “Together, we look forward to combining our strengths to further push the boundaries of the Internet and create an even more enjoyable and diverse experience for our users.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome UC Browser to the KaiOS ecosystem,” said Mathieu Boyer, Advertising Monetization Director of KaiOS Technologies. “Optimizing UC Browser to meet the low memory requirements of KaiOS-powered devices wasn’t an easy process, and stands as a testament to the close cooperation between the two companies. Looking ahead, our collaboration lays a solid foundation for future cooperation, as it promotes the further development and growth of both parties in the digital industry. Together we strive towards the goal of making mobile internet access a reality for more people than ever before.”

Built on top of Firefox OS technology, KaiOS was launched in 2017 and has since developed into a robust web-based OS and expanding ecosystem. It’s the only operating system for feature phones with a mobile storefront, the KaiStore, featuring global and localized apps and other content that works over advanced mobile data networks. Devices running on KaiOS require limited memory, making them affordable, while still offering practical and powerful features that meet the needs of people in emerging markets, along with individuals in more established economies looking for smartphone alternatives.

In just two and half years, KaiOS-powered devices have launched in more than 100 international markets, with global shipments passing 100 million. This incredible growth is due, in part, to strong partnerships and collaboration with industry titans, including Jio. By cooperating closely with Reliance Group’s communication brand, KaiOS became the second largest mobile operating system after Android in the Indian market.

About UC Browser

UC Browser is the world’s No.1 third-party mobile browser and content platform from UCWeb, a business within the Alibaba Innovation Initiative Business Group. Since launching in 2004, its mission has been to provide a better mobile internet experience to billions of users around the world, and is currently the most popular browser in Southeast Asia and India. Serving users in more than 150 countries and regions around the world, UC Browser is now available on more than 3,000 different mobile phone models from over 200 manufacturers.

About KaiOS Technologies

KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 100 million devices shipped in over 100 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, Google Maps, and Twitter.