HMD Scales Back Its U.S. Operations, Ending Nokia’s Run
HMD Global, the entity behind Nokia smartphones, is retreating from the U.S. market, which indicates that new Nokia devices aren’t forthcoming. Those who currently own a Nokia phone can rest assured that warranties and updates will still be honored. HMD has cited geopolitical and economic factors as reasons for their withdrawal.
If you were hoping for a new Nokia device in the U.S., you might be in for a long wait. HMD Global is redirecting its attention from the U.S. market, leaving enthusiasts pondering the implications for Nokia’s future.
HMD Global informed The Verge that it is reducing its U.S. presence, which likely means no new Nokia phones will be launched in the country anytime soon. The company has reaffirmed that current devices will continue to receive support, ensuring that security updates and warranties remain intact.
While the company refers to this as “scaling back,” it resembles a complete departure from phone sales in the U.S. It marks a subtle exit from a market HMD has never truly penetrated.
Currently, all purchase options have been removed from HMD’s product pages. You may still find some Nokia devices on platforms like Amazon, but those are likely leftover stock, and once sold out, that’s probably the end.
Impact of Tariffs
HMD attributes its exit from the U.S. to geopolitical and economic difficulties, which is essentially a diplomatic way of stating that U.S. tariffs have inflated costs beyond viability. Increased expenses, reduced profits, and unfavorable market conditions have compounded the issue.
The U.S. smartphone arena is highly competitive, ruled by major players such as Apple and Samsung. HMD found it challenging to secure a foothold with carriers and consumers, despite the nostalgic allure of Nokia. In the meantime, the company might be redirecting its efforts to regions where budget and mid-tier devices perform better.
Last year, HMD began distancing itself from the Nokia identity to concentrate on developing original products and forming new partnerships.
To clarify, HMD is not shutting down operations. At present, it is committed to ensuring that its exit does not leave customers or partners in a lurch. Warranties, support, and services will continue, supported by its global teams.
HMD took over Nokia’s feature phone segment from Microsoft in 2016, following Microsoft’s earlier attempts to revitalize the brand in 2014. Concurrently, HMD secured a license to use the Nokia brand for budget and mid-range smartphones and tablets, with this licensing agreement set to last until March 2026.
