HMD Global announced that it was abandoning the Nokia brand on its smartphones by switching to a new strategy in early 2023 and would continue with its own HMD brand. Since then, HMD has continued to offer Nokia-branded smartphones, push-button phones and tablets in some regions. However, it seems that these supplies have come to an end, at least in the European market.
When you look at HMD’s official websites in Europe, it is noticed that Nokia branded devices are no longer included. However, Nokia branded devices can still be found in HMD stores in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand and Latin America. This situation is expected to change soon and the supply in these regions will end.
When we look at HMD Global’s support page, we see that Nokia branded smartphones and push-button phones continue to receive software support. However, there is no clear information about how long this support will continue. The company is expected to continue software updates for these devices for existing users for a while longer.
To clear up any confusion, it is worth noting that Nokia Corporation (the original Nokia) is still a major player in the field of telecommunications infrastructure and is one of the major patent holders in the technology world. The company has filed lawsuits against many smartphone manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung and BBK Group for patent infringements in the past.
HMD withdraws Nokia name to expand with its own brand
HMD Global’s gradual withdrawal of Nokia from the European market is seen as part of the company’s strategy to grow with its own brand. The fact that Nokia has been a historically strong brand, especially in Europe, makes this transition remarkable. However, it is a matter of curiosity how HMD will achieve success in the market with its own brand.
This decision by HMD once again shows how rapidly the dynamics in the global technology market are changing. While Nokia was once the leader of the mobile phone market, today it is in a different position in the technology world.