Smartphone manufacturer Nothing has announced the cancellation of its upcoming CMF Phone 3 Pro. The decision stems from significant cost pressures surrounding RAM components, which have made the production of the mid-range smartphone financially unviable. Akis Evangelidis, co-founder of Nothing, confirmed that the company will not release the new CMF Phone in 2026, despite its original development roadmap.
The CMF Phone 3 Pro was actively being developed as the direct successor to the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Industry estimates indicate that if the device were released now with its intended specifications, it would cost approximately Rs. 30,000 (~$318). In comparison, its predecessor launched in April 2025 at an original price of Rs. 18,999 (~$201). This change represents a projected price increase of 58% to 85% for the consumer.
Nothing CEO Carl Pei highlighted an unusual inversion in the standard hardware cost structure, noting that current RAM expenses now exceed the combined costs of the device processor and display. Consequently, the company is set to adjust its product portfolio under the budget-friendly CMF brand. Meanwhile, the parent brand Nothing plans to explore alternative product categories outside of traditional smartphones throughout 2026.
Future Outlook and Teasers
The company subtly hinted at its shifting strategy via themed Pokémon teasers posted on its official social media accounts. Code names discovered in these materials include “Jumpluff”—speculated to be an upcoming pair of earbuds—and “Blastoise,” which points to a distinct smartphone model. These developments suggest incoming hardware refreshes under the primary brand, alongside a potential wind-down or restructuring of the CMF sub-brand.
It remains unconfirmed whether Nothing will absorb the design elements of the canceled CMF project into the upcoming Nothing Phone 4, or if it will develop a separate mid-tier product under the main Nothing lineup to compensate for the absence of the Phone 3 Pro.
Filed in . Read more about Nothing.