A new developer program for LightOS allows anyone to create tools for the Light Phone, whether that’s a local public transit app for your city or a way to read ebooks.In the age of digital dominance, a growing number of individuals are seeking refuge in the simplicity of minimalist phones, also known as dumb phones. These pared-down devices offer a refreshing escape from the relentless onslaught of notifications, social media updates, and the constant need to be connected. However, as these users are discovering, there’s a fine line between simplicity and functionality. They are increasingly finding themselves yearning for certain features that they had taken for granted on their smartphones, such as an authenticator app, Uber, or a way to view hiking trails.
Kaiwei Tang, CEO and cofounder of Light Phone, a leading company in the minimalist phone market, shared with WIRED the frequent requests they receive from users for additional features. “I cannot tell you how many people come back to us saying that, ‘Hey, if only you had this thing for QR code scanning; if only you had this localized app,’ that they’d be able to use the Light Phone more often,” Tang said.
Light Phone, a Brooklyn-based company, has been a pioneer in the minimalist phone market since 2014. The company’s mission is to provide utility-focused devices for people who feel overly reliant on technology. The first Light Phone could only make and receive phone calls, while the second iteration added perks like turn-by-turn directions. The latest model, the Light Phone III, has modernized the hardware while staying true to its minimalist ethos.
However, the company is not oblivious to the growing demands of its users. In response, Light Phone is launching a developer program in May for LightOS, the operating system powering its new Light Phone III. This move will allow anyone interested in the platform to create “Tools” they want to use on the phone.
The Light Phone community has already been modding and hacking the company’s hardware. While Light only offers a handful of first-party Tools, such as a Calculator, Alarm, Calendar, and Podcasts, community members have made their own, including a Spotify client, an app to store passes—like gym membership cards—and even an app to check bus and train schedules.
With the introduction of an official software developer kit, it will now be much easier for interested parties to create the apps they want. You don’t even need a Light Phone III to create a Tool for the platform, though these third-party Tools are only available on the latest handset, not older Light Phone models.
The minimalist phone market saw a surge in new players in 2025, with companies like Minimal Phone and Mudita Kompakt entering the fray. However, Light Phone has managed to stay ahead of the curve with its commitment to simplicity and functionality.
For those who still want their basic dumb phone to do that one little extra thing, the ability to add Tools is a welcome development. It’s a testament to the fact that while we may yearn for simplicity, we still crave the convenience that technology offers.
In conclusion, the minimalist phone market is evolving to meet the needs of its users. Companies like Light Phone are leading the way by offering the best of both worlds: the simplicity of a dumb phone and the functionality of a smartphone. As we continue to navigate our relationship with technology, it’s clear that the demand for minimalist phones is not just a passing trend, but a reflection of our desire to regain control over our digital lives.
