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Series 40
Series 40 (5th Edition) showing the Menu, on a Nokia 6267
DeveloperNokia
Working stateDiscontinued
Source modelClosed source
Package manager.jad, .jar, .mid, .mod
Supported platformsARM
LicenseProprietary
Support status
Obsolete, unsupported

Nokia Series 40 Platform, often shortened as S40, is a software platform and application user interface (UI) software that was previously used on Nokia's broad range of mid-tier feature phones from 2002 to 2014, as well as on some of the Vertu line of luxury phones. It was at one point the world's most widely used mobile phone platform and found in hundreds of millions of mobile phones.[1]

Series 40 was more advanced than Nokia's Series 30. It was not however used for smartphones (where Nokia used Symbian at the time, and later Windows Phone) and differentiates from them by not supporting true multi-tasking and do not have a native code API for third parties and thus do not support installable applications other than (with few exceptions) MIDlets that are written in Java. However, the simplicity of the system made it more responsive compared to Nokia's Series 60 smartphones.[2][3]

The final Series 40 phone was released in 2013, after which Nokia feature phones switched to a different platform, Series 30+.

History

[edit]

The first Series 40 handset was 2002's Nokia 7210 with a 128x128 pixel, colour display.[2][4] However in a retrospective press release from 2012, Nokia, possibly as a typo error, cited the first Series 40 phone to be the Nokia 7110 released in 1999,[5] which had a 96 × 65 pixel monochrome display and was the first phone to come with a WAP browser.

Menu on a Nokia 7600 (Series 40 original version with 128x160 display)

Nokia announced on 25 January 2012 that the company had sold over 1.5 billion Series 40 devices.[5]

In 2012 and 2013, several Series 40 phones from the Asha line,[6] such as the 308, 309 and 311, were advertised as "smartphones" although they do not actually support smartphone features like multitasking or a fully fledged HTML browser.[7]

The final mobile phone running Series 40 was the Nokia 515 from 2013, running the 6th Edition. In 2014, Microsoft acquired Nokia's mobile phones business. As part of a licensing agreement with the company, Microsoft Mobile was allowed to use the Nokia brand on feature phones, such as the Series 40 range.[8] However, a July 2014 company memo revealed that Microsoft would end future production of Series 40 devices.[9] It was replaced by Series 30+.

Versions

[edit]

The original version of Series 40[10] was classified by Nokia as: "a UI category for Nokia 128x128 pixel screen resolution. It comprises a passive matrix colour screen with two soft keys."[11] The earliest products running these were Nokia 7210 and Nokia 3510i. An improved resolution of 128x160 and a three soft keys interface[12] was first seen on the Nokia 6650 (globally released in second quarter 2003[13]). This also appeared on Nokia 7600.

The second generation of the Series 40 platform, often called the 2nd Edition, first shipped with the Nokia 6230. This new version updates Java support to MIDP 2.0.[14] In 2005, the Nokia 6230i was introduced with a higher 208x208 resolution display and this also appeared on Nokia 8800 and 8801.[15][16]

Home idle screen on a Nokia Asha 300 with 'touch and type' interface

Series 40 3rd Edition was launched in 2005, the first handsets shipping with it being the Nokia 6111, 6270 and 6280. This new version is more closely aligned to the Series 60 user interface and introduces Active Standby, a more detailed idle screen with quicker access to apps and displaying of calendar and notes. This version also supports improved higher resolution QVGA (240x320 pixels) displays,[17][18] although some handsets continued to use lower 128x160 resolution such as Nokia 5200 and 6111.[19][20] The updated Feature Pack 1 of S40v3 adds support for Adobe Flash Lite mobile 3D graphics. Nokia 6233 and 6125 were some of the earliest to run this version.[21] Feature Pack 2 added further additional features, including a new music player, playing in background, A2DP profile for Bluetooth, and the possibility of using Flash Lite SWF format animations as live wallpapers. Nokia 5300, 7373 and 7390 were the first to run S40v3 FP2.[21]

Series 40 5th Edition (skipping the number 4 as was Nokia's habit) was released in 2007[22] with the earliest shipping devices being Nokia 6500 classic, Nokia 6500 slide and Nokia 7500 Prism.[23] This version of Series 40 also upgrades to version 2.1 of Flash Lite.[24]

Series 40 6th Edition first shipped with Nokia 7510 Supernova in late 2008. This version has updated Flash Lite 3, has support for WMA 10 and WMV 9, an improved web browser, and UI animations.[25][26][27] The updated Feature Pack 1 of the 6th Edition adds touch support for the Touch and Type phones such as Nokia X3-02 and Nokia Asha 300.[28] Subsequent versions were named Series 40 Developer Platform.

Technical information

[edit]

Applications

[edit]

Series 40 provides communication applications such as telephone, Internet telephony (VoIP), messaging, email client with POP3 and IMAP4 capabilities and web browser; media applications such as camera, video recorder, music/video player and FM radio; and phonebook and other personal information management (PIM) applications such as calendar and tasks. Basic file management, like in Series 60, is provided in the Applications and Gallery folders and subfolders. Gallery is also the default location for files transferred over Bluetooth to be placed. User-installed applications on Series 40 are generally mobile Java applications. Flash Lite applications are also supported, but mostly used for screensavers.[29] BREW applications are also supported too, but for some Qualcomm based Nokia CDMA phones only.

It is possible to customize the look and feel of the UI via comprehensive themes.[30]

Web browser

[edit]

The integrated web browser can access most web content through the service provider's XHTML/HTML gateway. The latest version of Series 40, called Series 40 6th Edition, introduced a new browser based on the WebKit open source components WebCore and JavaScriptCore. The new browser delivers support for HTML 4.01, CSS2, JavaScript 1.5, and Ajax. Also, like the higher-end Series 60, Series 40 can run the UC Browser web browser to enhance the user's web browsing experience. The latest feature phones from the Asha lineup come with the Nokia Xpress Browser which uses proxy servers to compress and optimize web pages in a similar fashion as Opera Mini.

Synchronization

[edit]

Support for SyncML synchronization of the address book, calendar and notes with external services is present. However, with many S40 phones, these synchronization settings must be sent via an OTA text message.

Software platform

[edit]

Series 40 is an embedded software platform that is open for software development via standard or de facto content and application development technologies. It supports Java MIDlets, i.e. Java MIDP and CLDC technology, which provide location, communication, messaging, media, and graphics capabilities.[31] S40 also supports Flash Lite applications.

A small number of CDMA network Nokia phones were released based on Qualcomm processors which run Series 40 on top of REX OS, such as the Nokia 3806. These Series 40 devices support BREW platform applications.[32]

List of devices

[edit]

The following is a list of Series 40 devices released by Nokia:

Nokia 1xxx series

Nokia 2xxx series

Nokia 3xxx series

Nokia 5xxx series

Nokia 6xxx series

Nokia 7xxx series:

Nokia 8xxx series

Nokia Cseries:

Nokia Xseries (Not to be confused with Nokia X Family):

Nokia Asha series

Further reading

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Series 40

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nokia Series 40, commonly abbreviated as S40, was a software platform and user interface developed by for its feature phones, debuting in 1999 with the and remaining in use until 2014. This platform powered a vast array of entry-level and mid-range devices, emphasizing affordability, durability, and basic functionality such as messaging, calls, and limited web access via WAP. By 2012, had sold over 1.5 billion Series 40 devices worldwide, making it one of the most widely adopted mobile platforms in history and a key driver of Nokia's dominance in emerging markets. The platform evolved through multiple editions—from the initial 0th Edition to the 6th Edition—each introducing enhancements to hardware support, multimedia features, and application capabilities to keep pace with consumer demands and technological advancements. The initial editions focused on or low-resolution color displays (starting with color in 2002) and basic Java ME (MIDP 1.0) support for simple apps, while later versions like the 3rd Edition (2005) added QVGA resolutions, integration, and video playback. The 6th Edition, debuting in 2008, brought further improvements including HVGA displays and a WebKit-based browser; touchscreen support was added in feature packs around 2010, along with full keyboards in models like the 303 (2011), enabling better social networking and web experiences on budget devices. These updates were particularly evident in the lineup, which blended simplicity with smartphone-like elements such as and app stores tailored for low-end hardware. Series 40 was built on Nokia's proprietary operating system, distinct from the platform used in higher-end smartphones, and relied heavily on applications for extensibility without native code support. This design choice facilitated widespread developer adoption, with millions of MIDlets created for games, utilities, and content delivery, contributing to the platform's longevity in developing regions where cost-effective phones outnumbered smartphones. Despite its success, Series 40 was phased out after Nokia's mobile division was acquired by in 2014, with subsequent feature phones shifting to simpler platforms like Series 30+. Its legacy endures as a foundational technology that connected billions to mobile communication during the pre-smartphone era.

Development History

Origins and Initial Release

Series 40 originated in the late as Nokia's proprietary platform, built on Nokia's proprietary operating system, internally known as ISA (), tailored for mid-range feature phones that fell between basic entry-level devices and full smartphones. Developed to address the growing demand for enhanced functionality without the complexity of OS, it served as an evolution from Nokia's simpler Series 30 platform, providing a more advanced yet resource-efficient foundation for non-smartphone handsets. The platform emphasized a modular that allowed for basic applications, messaging, and early while maintaining low hardware requirements suitable for . The initial release of Series 40 came with the in 1999, marking the debut of this UI on a commercial device with features like a WAP browser and input, though it used a monochrome display. This launch positioned Series 40 as a bridge for consumers seeking more than basic voice and capabilities but not the advanced computing of Symbian-based phones. By 2002, the platform evolved to support color displays with the , the first such device, which targeted emerging markets by incorporating basic multimedia like polyphonic ringtones and MMS alongside improved messaging and browser functions. The 's design highlighted the platform's focus on affordability, enabling widespread adoption in price-sensitive regions. Core design principles of early Series 40 centered on simplicity for intuitive navigation, battery efficiency to support extended use in resource-constrained environments, and extensibility through MIDlet support, allowing third-party applications without requiring a full-fledged operating system. These choices ensured responsiveness and reliability, key for users in developing areas where power and cost were paramount. The platform's motivations were rooted in creating an accessible mid-tier ecosystem that democratized features like customizable content and basic connectivity, bridging the gap between Series 30's minimalism and Symbian's sophistication while prioritizing mass-market affordability and global scalability.

Evolution and Milestones

Series 40 underwent significant iterative improvements starting from its initial releases in the early , evolving to meet growing demands for enhanced multimedia and display capabilities in feature phones. In 2005, the platform's 3rd Edition marked a key milestone by introducing support for QVGA resolution (320x240 pixels), enabling sharper visuals on devices like the Nokia 6282, which also featured connectivity and a 1-megapixel camera. This update aligned Series 40 more closely with higher-end hardware while maintaining its focus on affordability and reliability for mass-market users. By 2007, the 5th Edition further advanced multimedia integration with support for Adobe Flash Lite 2.1, allowing developers to create richer graphical content and animations, as seen in phones like the 5310 XpressMusic. The platform's 6th Edition, launched in 2008, represented another pivotal development by incorporating Adobe Flash Lite 3.0; touch input capabilities were added in subsequent feature packs, with the initial 6th Edition debuting on devices such as the . These enhancements responded to competitive pressures from rivals like and Ericsson, who were pushing similar features in their feature phones during the mid-; Nokia's adaptations helped solidify its market leadership, with Series 40 devices outselling competitors and capturing over 30% global share by the late . Partnerships with mobile operators also influenced evolution, enabling custom user interfaces and branded variants tailored to regional preferences, such as operator-specific themes and preloaded services to boost adoption in diverse markets. Sales achievements underscored Series 40's dominance, particularly in developing regions where affordable connectivity was paramount; by , cumulative shipments reached 1.5 billion units, with nearly half still active worldwide, exemplified by the 303's popularity in for social networking and browsing. The platform peaked in 2013 with the release of the Nokia 515 in September, a premium aluminum-clad emphasizing durability and basic multimedia, arriving just days before Nokia announced its Devices and Services business acquisition by on September 3. This milestone highlighted Series 40's role in bridging digital access for billions amid shifting industry dynamics.

Software Editions

Early Editions

The first edition of Series 40, launched in 1999, marked 's entry into a standardized platform for feature phones, initially with monochrome displays like the 96x65 pixels on the Nokia 7110. Color displays at 128x128 pixels were introduced in 2002 with devices such as the 7210. It provided basic support via MIDP 1.0 and CLDC 1.0, allowing simple applications and games. Polyphonic ringtones were also introduced, supporting up to 16 voices for richer audio alerts compared to earlier monophonic tones. The second edition, released between 2003 and 2004, built on this foundation by upgrading Java capabilities to MIDP , which enabled more sophisticated applications, including better graphics and networking features. EDGE connectivity was added for improved data speeds, facilitating faster web access and downloads. Exemplified by the Nokia 6230, this edition included a VGA camera for basic imaging and for wireless transfers, enhancing multimedia and interpersonal features without overhauling the core interface. From 2005 to 2006, the third edition introduced QVGA displays at 320x240 resolution for sharper visuals and the Active Standby UI, which displayed key information like time, battery status, and upcoming events directly on the idle screen. Improved camera integration allowed for higher-resolution sensors and , while themes became supported for customizable interfaces and FM radio emerged as a standard feature across compatible models. The Nokia 6111 highlighted these advancements with its 1-megapixel camera. These early editions shared common constraints, including no native multitasking, which limited users to single-application operation, and heavy reliance on proprietary APIs for advanced UI extensions beyond standard .

Later Editions

The 5th Edition of Series 40, released in 2007 and spanning through 2008, introduced significant multimedia enhancements to the platform, building on prior versions to support richer content experiences on feature phones. Key advancements included support for Flash Lite 2.1, enabling improved video playback and interactive applications, alongside new protocols for media handling that facilitated audio streaming and playback. Enhanced music players became a hallmark, with dedicated features like equalizers and dedicated keys on devices such as the XpressMusic, which optimized audio performance for music-focused users. These updates were aimed at developers, with the SDK made available in June 2007 to encourage application creation for multimedia and enterprise use. The 4th Edition was skipped due to superstitions associated with the number 4 in some markets. The 6th Edition, introduced in late and extending until , marked a pivotal evolution by incorporating advanced web and interface capabilities, extending the platform's relevance in a mobile internet era. It featured a WebKit-based browser with support for , AJAX, and full web rendering, including incremental page loading and visual history , allowing access to desktop-like on feature phones. Resistive full support was added via Feature Pack 1 updates, enabling touch-and-type interfaces on models like the Nokia X3-02 and Nokia 300, while widget integration provided quick access to dynamic content such as weather and news feeds. Ovi Store integration facilitated direct app downloads and content acquisition, broadening the ecosystem for users and developers. Performance refinements in the 6th Edition included optimized for devices with 128 MB or more RAM, alongside faster boot times and smoother task switching, which improved responsiveness for and web tasks. Final updates in 2012–2013 targeted the lineup, integrating cloud services such as Nokia Mail (Mail for Exchange) on devices like the Nokia 302, providing synchronization and calendar access to enhance productivity for entry-level users. These developments sustained Series 40's deployment across high-volume markets until the platform's phase-out.

Technical Specifications

Core Platform Features

Series 40 employs a closed-source kernel as its foundational operating system, developed internally by under the Intelligent System Architecture (ISA) framework. This kernel integrates (RTOS) elements tailored for resource-constrained, low-power mobile devices, enabling efficient task scheduling and interrupt handling essential for battery-operated hardware. Unlike general-purpose systems, it lacks full compliance, prioritizing embedded functionality over standard interfaces to maintain a suitable for feature phones. The user interface is characterized by icon-based menus organized in a grid or list format, allowing intuitive navigation through dedicated softkeys positioned below the display for actions like selection, back, and options. Input relies on a numeric keypad with T9 predictive text technology, which anticipates and suggests words to streamline messaging and data entry on limited hardware. Display support evolved to accommodate color screens, with resolutions scaling from early monochrome 96×65 pixels to higher-definition 320×240 in advanced editions, enabling richer visual elements while preserving usability on small form factors. Hardware abstraction in Series 40 facilitates integration with cellular modems supporting , EDGE, and connectivity standards, ensuring compatibility across global networks. Later variants extended support to sensors such as accelerometers for and motion-based interactions, accessible via Java APIs like JSR-256. Processor capabilities advanced to up to 1 GHz single-core chips in models like the series, balancing performance for multimedia and apps without compromising the platform's efficiency focus. Performance optimizations emphasize battery efficiency, with the kernel and UI designed for extended standby times of 200-800 hours (8-33 days) depending on the model and conditions, incorporating power-saving modes that dim backlights, limit background processes, and reduce radio activity during idle periods. These features contribute to prolonged operation on standard lithium-ion batteries, often achieving several days of mixed use in real-world scenarios.

Applications and Multimedia

Series 40 devices featured a core set of built-in applications designed for essential communication and personal organization tasks. These included telephony functions such as speed dialing, call logs, and mobile messaging clients supporting and MMS with attachments like , , images, and files. Personal information management (PIM) tools encompassed a , to-do lists, and a phonebook, which could synchronize with PCs via . Basic utilities like a were commonly pre-installed across editions to handle simple computations. The platform's extensibility relied heavily on its Java ecosystem, supporting J2ME with MIDP 2.0 and CLDC 1.1 configurations, along with optional packages for mobile media and wireless messaging. This enabled third-party MIDlets, including games such as Snake variants and productivity utilities, which users could install via Bluetooth, infrared, or downloads. Thousands of such applications became available through Nokia's Ovi Store, launched in 2009, allowing users to access games, tools, and location-based services tailored for low-end devices. Multimedia capabilities evolved across editions, with support for audio playback of and AAC formats on select models equipped with dedicated music players. Video handling included format playback and VGA-resolution recording on hardware-capable devices, often integrated with the camera application for capturing and storing clips. Later editions introduced Lite for rendering simple animations and interactive content, enhancing media experiences without taxing limited resources. Basic photo editing tools allowed users to crop, resize, and apply filters to images directly on the device. A key limitation of Series 40 was its single-app focus, functioning as a non-multitasking operating system where applications could not run in the background, ensuring but restricting concurrent usage. This design prioritized stability on constrained hardware, with developers advised to optimize MIDlets for limited memory and processing power. Web apps could integrate briefly with native functions through the browser, but remained subject to these constraints.

Browser and Connectivity

The browser in early Series 40 devices primarily supported (WAP) 1.x standards, enabling basic access to mobile-optimized through text-based decks and limited markup. By the mid-2000s, subsequent editions incorporated WAP 2.0, which improved compatibility with XHTML Mobile Profile for rendering simpler web pages on low-bandwidth connections. A significant advancement occurred with the 6th Edition in 2008, introducing a WebKit-based browser derived from open-source components like WebCore and JavaScriptCore, providing support for 4.01, CSS 2, 1.5, and Ajax to deliver a fuller web experience on feature phones. This evolution allowed Series 40 platforms to handle dynamic content more effectively, bridging the gap between traditional mobile browsing and desktop-like functionality. Later iterations, such as Nokia Browser 2.0 released in 2012, built on this foundation with cloud-accelerated rendering and enhanced usability features like multitasking tabs, a , and improved search integration. As an alternative, was widely supported across Series 40 devices, including models, offering a proxy-based option for compressed browsing that became the default on many post-2014 handsets after replacing Nokia Xpress. Web features expanded to include feed aggregation via dedicated apps like News Reader on devices, enabling users to subscribe to and view updates from news sources directly on the device. Basic elements were incorporated in later editions for improved and form handling, though full compliance remained limited compared to platforms. Connectivity in Series 40 emphasized affordability and reliability for emerging markets, with core support for GPRS and EDGE packet data protocols to enable internet access at speeds up to 236.8 kbps. 2.0 (with later models supporting 2.1 + EDR or 3.0) facilitated wireless data transfer and peripheral connections, such as hands-free headsets. USB 2.0 via microUSB ports allowed for device charging, , and software updates. Select models, like the 305, 306, and 310, introduced 802.11 b/g for higher-speed wireless in supported environments. Proxy-based browsing was a hallmark of Series 40's web layer, routing traffic through Nokia's servers to optimize page rendering for small screens and low processing power, as seen in Ovi Browser and Xpress implementations. This approach, combined with server-side compression in Nokia Browser 2.0 and , reduced data usage by up to 90% on and networks, making web access viable in cost-sensitive regions with limited bandwidth. Such optimizations were particularly impactful in emerging markets, where data plans were often pay-per-kilobyte, allowing users to browse full websites affordably without extensive local rendering demands.

Synchronization and Security

Series 40 devices supported data synchronization primarily through the SyncML standard, enabling the exchange of contacts, calendars, and other (PIM) data with desktop applications such as or . This functionality allowed users to synchronize over USB, , or connections, with PC Suite serving as the primary tool for local syncing on Windows-based systems. For remote synchronization, SyncML over was implemented starting from early third-edition models like the Nokia 6810, facilitating over-the-air (OTA) data transfer when connected via mobile networks. Additionally, firmware updates were handled via Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA), which delivered software enhancements wirelessly without requiring a physical connection to a computer, a feature introduced in later Series 40 editions such as those in the line. The model in Series 40 emphasized basic device and SIM protection rather than advanced application isolation. Devices featured PIN locking to secure access to the phone's functions and data, requiring a user-defined code upon startup or after inactivity, while SIM authentication relied on standard PIN verification to prevent unauthorized use of the . For defense, users could install basic antivirus solutions as applications through the platform's MIDlet , though these were limited to scanning and removal without integrated -level protection. Notably, Series 40 lacked robust app sandboxing, allowing MIDlets broader access to resources compared to modern mobile OSes, which contributed to potential gaps despite the ME runtime's intended restrictions. Several vulnerabilities were identified in Series 40, particularly in wireless interfaces and practices. Pre-2008 Bluetooth implementations were susceptible to exploits like , where attackers could gain unauthorized access to data by exploiting firmware flaws in older stacks. The platform also suffered from a general absence of modern encryption standards, such as AES for data at rest or in transit, relying instead on basic GSM-level that proved inadequate against evolving threats. Following Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's mobile division, official support for Series 40 ended in 2014, halting the release of security patches and leaving devices exposed to unaddressed vulnerabilities. For developers, security in later Series 40 editions mandated signed MIDlets to ensure trusted application installation, with unsigned Java applications restricted or blocked to mitigate risks from malicious code. This requirement, enforced through Nokia's certificate authority system, assigned signed MIDlets to specific security domains (e.g., manufacturer or operator), granting varying levels of API access while preventing arbitrary code execution. Connectivity features like Bluetooth and USB served as enablers for these synchronization processes but also introduced vectors for the aforementioned Bluetooth exploits.

Compatible Devices

Mainstream Models

The mainstream Series 40 devices from 2002 to 2010 represented Nokia's core lineup of volume-selling feature phones, targeting global markets with affordable, reliable hardware that emphasized basic connectivity, messaging, and emerging multimedia features. These models succeeded the iconic lineage, evolving the platform's capabilities while maintaining broad accessibility in both developed and emerging economies. Key examples in this successor line included the , released in 2002 as one of the first Series 40 phones with a color display and MMS support, the from the same year featuring connectivity and games, and the Nokia 6230 in 2004, which added a VGA camera and EDGE data speeds for enhanced browsing. Categorization of these mainstream models typically fell into entry-level offerings, which bridged the transition from to color screens and focused on voice, , and simple entertainment, and mid-range variants that incorporated cameras and better multimedia integration. Entry-level devices like the (2004), with its 65K color screen and polyphonic ringtones, and the Nokia 3120 (2004), supporting browsing, became hits by selling tens of millions of units in price-sensitive markets. The 1xxx, 3xxx, and 6xxx series, encompassing many of these entry-level and mid-range phones, collectively exceeded 500 million units in production, driven by blockbusters such as the (250 million units sold from 2003) and (248 million units from 2005), both prized for their rugged design and long battery life. Mid-range models advanced the platform with integrated cameras and improved user experiences, exemplified by the Nokia 6500 classic (2007), offering a 2-megapixel camera, Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, and TV output, and the (2007), which included a 2-megapixel camera with flash, FM radio, and feeds for news. These devices solidified Series 40's appeal in urban and transitional markets by balancing functionality with compact form factors. Nokia also produced regional variants of these mainstream models for key markets like and , incorporating localized user interfaces with support for regional languages, input methods, and preloaded content such as local games and services to better suit cultural and operational needs.

Specialized Variants

The XpressMusic series represented Nokia's targeted push into music-centric feature phones on the Series 40 platform starting in 2007, emphasizing dedicated hardware for audio playback to appeal to budget-conscious music enthusiasts. Models like the XpressMusic, launched in October 2007, featured three physical media keys on the side for quick access to music controls, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and support for microSD cards up to 8GB, enabling storage for thousands of tracks alongside up to 17 hours of continuous playback. Similarly, the , released in December 2007, offered enhanced audio quality with up to 22 hours of playback and optional 4GB microSD expansion for approximately 3,000 songs, while maintaining the Series 40 for straightforward navigation. These devices prioritized over advanced computing, with stereo speakers and FM radio integration to differentiate them in the mid-range market. From 2012 onward, the Asha platform evolved Series 40 into touch-enabled variants tailored for emerging markets, introducing capacitive and resistive screens to bring affordable interactivity without full smartphone complexity. The Nokia Asha 305 and Asha 306, unveiled in June 2012, were among the first full-touch Series 40 phones with a redesigned swipe-based user interface, 3-inch resistive displays, and dual-SIM support for cost-effective connectivity in regions like India and Africa; they included preloaded social features such as status sharing and photo exchange via Nokia's "Exchange" service, alongside app access for messaging akin to early WhatsApp functionality. The Nokia Asha 311 advanced this lineup with a capacitive 3-inch touchscreen, 1GHz processor, 128MB RAM, and 3G support, enabling smoother performance for social networking apps, email, and games while supporting up to 32GB microSD storage. These models emphasized lightweight design under 100g and battery life exceeding 14 hours of talk time, focusing on intuitive touch gestures to enhance user engagement in social and multimedia tasks. Other niche variants expanded Series 40's hardware diversity, particularly for business and durability needs between 2007 and 2013. For email and productivity, devices like the Nokia C3-00 incorporated full QWERTY keyboards and push email support for up to 10 POP/IMAP accounts, integrating instant messaging and social network access to streamline communication for professionals in emerging economies. Rugged models, such as the Nokia 3720 classic released in 2009, featured IP54-rated dust and water resistance with a stainless steel frame and shockproof design, a 2.2-inch display, 2-megapixel camera, and preloaded 1GB microSD card, catering to outdoor and industrial users while running the standard Series 40 interface. Dual-SIM capabilities became prominent in budget lines like the Nokia 101 (2011) and various Asha models, allowing seamless switching between networks to address affordability in developing markets without compromising core Series 40 features like FM radio and basic web browsing. Overall, Nokia produced Series 40 variants showcasing adaptations like QWERTY layouts and dual-SIM slots to meet specialized demands across global regions.

Legacy and Impact

Market Penetration

Nokia's Series 40 platform achieved remarkable global penetration, with over 1.5 billion units sold by 2012, making it one of the most widely adopted mobile software platforms in history. This success was particularly pronounced in developing regions such as and , where Series 40-powered devices like the Nokia series facilitated widespread mobile access in markets with limited infrastructure. For instance, Nokia reported a 52% year-over-year sales increase in the and during 2008, underscoring the platform's role in bridging digital divides. The platform's commercial dominance contributed significantly to Nokia's overall market leadership, with the company holding over 40% of the global throughout much of the . Affordable pricing, typically ranging from $20 to $100 for entry-level models, enabled mass adoption and drove billions in annual revenue for Nokia's mobile division during this period, as feature phones like those on Series 40 accounted for the majority of its shipments—reaching 450 million units in 2010 alone. This economic model solidified Nokia's position as the world's largest handset maker, generating revenues that surged over 500% from 1996 to 2000. Series 40 also exerted considerable cultural influence, particularly through features like the Snake game, which debuted in 1997 and became a global phenomenon, embedding itself in popular memory as a symbol of early mobile entertainment. In regions like India, the platform supported localized content, including multilingual applications such as Hindi and Urdu news services from the BBC, as well as vernacular SMS capabilities, enhancing user engagement with region-specific media and communication. In emerging markets, Series 40 devices outpaced competitors like , which focused primarily on enterprise-oriented smartphones and held about 20% of the global smartphone market in 2008, while commanded over 40% of the total mobile phone market and around 44% of the smartphone market. 's emphasis on low-cost, durable feature phones allowed it to capture higher volumes in price-sensitive areas until the mid-2010s smartphone transition eroded these advantages.

Discontinuation and Successors

The final Series 40 devices released were the Nokia 515 in September 2013 and the Nokia 207 in October 2013 in select regions, marking the end of new hardware development for the platform. 's acquisition of 's Devices and Services business, completed on April 25, 2014, shifted the company's priorities toward -based Lumia smartphones, effectively ending Series 40 support and production later that year. In July 2014, explicitly announced the discontinuation of Series 40 feature phones, alongside the platform, to streamline operations and focus exclusively on devices. This termination stemmed from escalating competition from Android and smartphones, which rapidly diminished demand for feature phone platforms like Series 40 by offering advanced apps, touch interfaces, and ecosystems that S40 could not match. Additionally, efforts to evolve Series 40 into a more capable system—such as the planned Linux-based Meltemi platform intended as its replacement—were abandoned in 2012 amid resource constraints and the broader pivot to , leaving the platform unable to transition into a full smartphone operating system. No official end-of-support date was declared, but with services like Nokia Sync terminated on December 5, 2014 and no further updates, Series 40 became obsolete by 2015. Series 40 was succeeded by the simpler Series 30+ platform for basic feature phones, exemplified by models like the Nokia 105, which has continued producing under the brand since 2015. For higher-end devices, —formed in 2016 and licensing the name—introduced Android-based smartphones starting in early 2017, such as the , to re-enter the competitive market. As of , Series 40 devices receive updates, rendering them vulnerable to unpatched flaws, though their durable hardware sustains informal use in regions with limited infrastructure for basic offline tasks like calling and texting.

References

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  5. https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-discontinue-nokia-asha-and-s40-feature-phones/
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  7. https://www.mobilephonemuseum.com/phone-detail/nokia-7110
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  9. https://www.engadget.com/2012-04-01-nokia-7110-review.html
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  11. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2008/11/25/1859055/0/en/Nokia-releases-Series-40-6th-Edition-Software-Development-Kit-for-world-s-highest-volume-mobile-developer-platform.html
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