HMD Global, the company behind Nokia phones, has recently announced an exciting collaboration with the iconic doll brand Barbie. The result of this partnership is the much-anticipated “Barbie Flip Phone,” set to be launched in the upcoming summer of 2024. Despite no official images being released by HMD Global as of yet, the device is expected to evoke a sense of nostalgia with its retro-inspired design, paying homage to the classic flip phones of the past.
Ruth Henriquez from Mattel expressed enthusiasm about unveiling this collaboration at the Mobile World Congress event in February, highlighting it as a testament to Mattel’s commitment to ongoing design innovation. The Barbie Flip Phone is anticipated to captivate fans of the beloved doll franchise, spanning both younger and older demographics.
HMD Teases new phones, including a Barbie flip phone. (Image: HMD)
Addressing recent speculations about the discontinuation of Nokia phones, HMD Global clarified that Nokia phones would continue to be available in the market.
In addition to the Barbie phone, HMD Global has ambitious plans to revive another iconic Nokia phone design in the summer, hinting at an exciting lineup of new phone brands throughout 2024. Despite the overall contraction of the mobile phone market for two consecutive years, HMD Global achieved increased profits in 2023. This success is attributed to strategic company transformations focused on enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing costs.
HMD plans to relaunch some classic Nokia phones this Summer. (Image: HMD)
Looking ahead, HMD Global is committed to incorporating customer-centric features into their phones. Plans include improving repairability and simplifying the process of fixing a cracked screen. The company is launching a smartphone innovation platform for developers and businesses, providing open-source design files and software integration resources, aiming to make phone customization more accessible, catering to diverse user needs.