Facebook, like many others, has a lite version of its Android app for low-end handsets with basic specs. The app offers a watered down user experience but at least it people access the core features of the social network. According to a new report, it has been developing a Facebook Lite for iPhone as well.
9to5mac reports that Facebook is testing a Facebook Lite for iPhone app. Since there are no “low-end” iPhones, only older models, the main aim of this app will be to help users minimize data usage. It will come in handy in markets where mobile data tends to be quite expensive.
The app itself is said to be just 5MB in size so it will use less data to download and take up less storage on the device. The app has been designed to use less data than the full app and also consume less power. It’s intended for emerging markets where data is expensive compared to the average income.
Facebook Lite for Android was launched back in 2015 and is now being tested in the United States as well. The iOS counterpart isn’t available in the U.S. as yet because it’s only available in “select regions.” As for when it will be tested and eventually released in the United States remains a mystery for now.