HMD brings AI companionship to a basic flip phone, complete with a recurring subscription

HMD has introduced the HMD 2660 Flip Senior Edition, a feature phone designed specifically for elderly users. Its standout feature is Mary, an AI-powered companion that promises to keep older adults company through conversations, storytelling and other interactions. The company partnered with inTouch, a company specialising in AI-powered companionship for elderly people, in March 2026. The Senior Edition integrates the latter’s AI assistant directly into the phone, allowing users to interact with it without installing additional applications.

According to HMD, Mary can discuss topics ranging from history and nature to personal experiences. It can also tell stories, play memory games and remember details from previous conversations, potentially making subsequent interactions more personalised. The AI is designed to speak slowly, accommodate longer pauses and use simple language, making it easier for elderly users to interact with. Users can access Mary from the phone’s menu and press the call button to initiate a conversation. HMD says the assistant is available around the clock, with no separate application, password or complicated setup procedure required once the service has been activated.

However, there’s an important catch. The phone includes just five hours of complimentary conversations with Mary. Once that allowance is exhausted, users must pay €19.90  every month to continue accessing the assistant. Mobile operator charges may also apply. Thankfully, the subscription doesn't renew automatically, and the phone remains functional even if users decide not to pay for the service.

As for the hardware, the HMD 2660 Flip Senior Edition is the same as a regular 2660 Flip. It features a 2.8-inch QVGA main display and a smaller 1.77-inch external screen. A Unisoc T107 processor powers the device, paired with 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of internal storage, expandable by up to 32 GB via a microSD card.

Other specifications include a 0.3 MP rear camera, Bluetooth 5.0, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and USB-C charging. The removable 1,450 mAh battery promises up to 8.1 hours of 4G talk time. HMD has also included an IP54-rated enclosure for protection against dust and splashes. The phone runs the company’s S30+ operating system and features large physical buttons for easier operation.

The HMD 2660 Flip Senior Edition is currently available through HMD’s UK storefront for £79.99 in Cosy Black.