HMD Global, the Finnish company that has been the exclusive licensee for Nokia-branded smartphones since 2016, has announced that it will no longer produce Nokia smartphones. This decision marks a significant turning point for the company and signals the end of an era for one of the most iconic names in the mobile phone industry.
Over the years, HMD Global worked hard to bring the Nokia brand back to life. They launched a variety of Android smartphones and feature phones that were appreciated for their durability and clean software experience. However, these efforts struggled to gain significant traction in a market dominated by aggressive pricing and innovative offerings from Chinese manufacturers and established giants like Samsung and Apple.
The announcement was made on January 11, 2025, during a press briefing. HMD Global’s CEO explained the reasons behind the decision, citing changes in market dynamics, fierce competition, and the company’s need to focus on new business opportunities. Moving forward, HMD Global plans to invest in developing its own HMD-branded devices and exploring other areas within the technology sector.
This move comes at a challenging time for the global smartphone industry. Rising production costs, increasing technological complexity, and intense competition have made it harder for smaller players to stay profitable. By stepping away from Nokia-branded smartphones, HMD Global is repositioning itself to better adapt to these changes.
Despite discontinuing Nokia smartphones, HMD Global has assured users that it will continue to provide software updates and after-sales support for existing Nokia devices. This commitment ensures that current customers won’t be left behind as the company pivots to its new direction.
Nokia’s journey in the mobile phone industry has been a rollercoaster. Once the undisputed leader in the early 2000s, the brand struggled to adapt to the smartphone era. Its collaboration with Microsoft to produce Windows-based Lumia phones failed to meet expectations, leading to a sharp decline in market share. When HMD Global took over the brand in 2016, many hoped for a revival. Unfortunately, it seems that even this fresh start couldn’t bring back Nokia’s former glory.
Looking ahead, HMD Global aims to leverage its expertise in hardware and software to explore new opportunities. How this strategic shift will unfold and what it will mean for the technology industry remains to be seen.
For more details on this development, read the full article on Gizmochina: HMD Global Discontinues All Nokia Smartphones.