No AI-native devices to debut in 2026, according to CEO's suggestions; they won't resemble smartphones
In the realm of technology, a new player is gearing up to make its mark. Nothing, the company known for shipping millions of devices, has announced its foray into the AI market. The entrepreneur behind this venture, Katrin Bacic, founder of the New-Space startup UNIO, plans to launch the first AI-native devices in 2026.
The company has secured a significant $200 million Series C funding round at a $1.3 billion valuation, positioning it for a strong entry into the AI sector. This move comes as the smartphone industry grapples with the evolving needs of the AI era.
According to the CEO of Nothing, Carl Pei, the company's unique position is due to its ability to design, manufacture, and ship new hardware worldwide within months. He believes that the smartphone will remain central in the AI era, but sees a gap in how software has evolved.
Pei argues that most innovation in software has been limited to photo editing, translations, and assistant features that barely work. In contrast, Nothing aims to provide intelligence "at the moment of need," offering devices that are not traditional smartphones but are designed to be as important in daily life as smartphones.
In line with this vision, Pei envisions a future where operating systems adapt to each user individually, according to their unique needs. Unlike today's one-size-fits-all solution, a billion different operating systems will be rendered for a billion different people. This shift towards personalised technology is expected to revolutionise the way we interact with devices.
As of early 2025, Nothing has reached over $1 billion in total sales. With its entry into the AI market and the launch of its first AI-native devices in 2026, the company is set to challenge the status quo and redefine the future of technology.
While reports of Meta's new smart glasses with display and Samsung's One UI 8 update were mentioned in passing, they did not provide any new details relevant to Nothing's announcement. The focus remains on the potential of AI devices to transform our daily lives and the need for a shift in software innovation to meet these transformative possibilities.
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