Asus Confirms It Won't Launch Phones In 2026, But Will It Leave Android Altogether?
Asus has confirmed it won't release any new smartphones in 2026, but that doesn't necessarily mean the brand is exiting the Android space entirely.
At an event in Taiwan on January 16, Asus chairman Jonney Shih stated, 'Asus will no longer add new mobile phone models in the future.' This news comes on the heels of a previous report from DigiTimes in January, confirming Asus's lack of new models in 2026.
The big question is whether this is a temporary pause or a full-scale retreat. While Shih hinted at the possibility of returning to Android devices later, he didn't provide a clear answer. This leaves the Android space in a state of uncertainty, with another major player potentially stepping away.
Asus has a history of releasing flagship devices like the Zenfone and ROG gaming phones, but the last top-end device was released almost a year ago. The ROG Phone 9 and 8 series are still available on the Asus website, but they're out of stock in the US. The absence of Zenfone models is notable, as Asus chose not to sell the 2025 Zenfone 12 Ultra in the region.
This development could impact the niche gaming phone market and potentially affect Android as a whole. Asus's rival, Redmagic, might see this as an opportunity, but it remains to be seen how other Android manufacturers will react.
Shih also suggested that Asus may shift its smartphone research and development teams to work on AI projects, such as smart glasses or robotics. This strategic move could be a way for Asus to stay relevant in the tech industry, despite its departure from the smartphone market.
Additionally, Shih addressed the current memory price hikes affecting the tech industry. He acknowledged the possibility of price increases but assured that Asus would aim to mitigate this through design thinking and supply chain collaboration. However, the fear remains that Asus product prices may rise in the future, given the trend seen in rival brands and other tech companies.
