Nothing’s CEO, Carl Pei, has some big news: no new flagship phone in 2026.

“We’re not just pumping out a top model every year for no reason,” he said in a YouTube video. The company wants to focus on improving current phones like the Phone (3) with updates. This smart move avoids higher costs from pricey parts like RAM.

Nothing CEO Carl Pei confirms no flagship launch in 2026 ❌

That means no Nothing Phone (4) this year.

• Nothing Phone (3) remains the flagship through 2026
• Phone (4a) series is coming instead
• Focus on upgrades in design, display, camera & materials#NothingPhone4a pic.twitter.com/7vxRvjptlE

— Rock Leaks (@rockleaks) January 29, 2026

This means no upgrade to the high-end Phone (3). Instead, Nothing will focus on making the current Phone (3) better with software updates. Why? Parts like RAM cost more now. Pei talked about this price hike before. Skipping a new flagship lets the team improve what they have.

Good news: New mid-range phones coming soon. Expect the Phone (4a) in a few months. It follows the popular Phone (3a). There might be a Phone (4a) Pro too. The Pro could have a Zoom camera. Both may get better water resistance and faster charging.

Pei hinted at fun new colors. Nothing phones usually stick to black, white, or red. This “bold new experimentation” could bring fresh looks. Will it stay just for these cheaper models? We don’t know yet.

Headphones get a big push. Nothing wants more of the headphone market in 2026. They plan to “double down” on over-ear ones. This builds on the Headphone (1), which our review called “unlike anything else.” It stood out with a cool design and sound.

Nothing started in 2020 as a fresh brand. It shook up phones with glowing glyph lights on the back. At first, they released products super fast—like every few months. Fans loved the excitement. But too many quick launches might hurt quality.

Pei wants the next flagship to wow everyone. This pause helps. It’s Nothing special, not just another phone maker copying Apple or Samsung.

What this means for you. If you want a Nothing phone now, grab the Phone (3a) or wait for Phone (4a). Prices stay fair in the mid-range. No big price jumps yet. Headphone fans, watch for new over-ears—they could beat big names like Sony.

The smartphone world is changing. Many brands skip yearly flagships due to high costs and new tech like AI. Nothing’s plan fits this. It promises better products, not rushed ones. In short, 2026 brings no fancy flagship but solid updates, colorful mid-phones, and stronger headphones. Nothing stays bold and smart.