Nothing Secures $200M, Plans AI-Native Devices for 2026

London-based phone maker Nothing is taking a bold leap into the future of consumer technology. On September 16, the company announced it had raised $200 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its valuation to $1.3 billion. Alongside the funding, CEO Carl Pei revealed plans to launch the company’s first AI-native devices in 2026.

Nothing Bets on AI Future

Building the Future of AI-Native Devices

In a post on X, Pei shared his vision:

“From building the only new smartphone company of the last decade, to creating an AI-native platform where hardware & software converge.”

He hinted at a future where AI creates personalized operating systems for every user, describing it as “a billion different operating systems for a billion different people.”

Pei believes consumer hardware must evolve with the mass adoption of AI, and the company’s upcoming devices aim to deliver intelligence that turns understanding into action. While he did not confirm the form factor, he teased the possibility of personal assistant-like devices that are available “at the moment of need.”

Smartphones Still at the Core

Despite the AI push, Pei acknowledged that smartphones will remain the primary mass-market product for years to come. However, he suggested consumers will soon carry an additional AI-driven device that could become just as essential.

Expanding Nothing OS

Another key focus is Nothing OS, the company’s custom Android-based software. Pei revealed plans to extend the OS across a wider ecosystem of products—potentially smart glasses, humanoid robots, EVs, and more.

“Our OS will carry into smart glasses, humanoid robots, EVs, and whatever comes next,” Pei wrote in a community post.

Growing Presence in India

Nothing has also been sharpening its focus on India, with plans to open its flagship retail store in the country soon. Its affordable sub-brand, CMF by Nothing, has already set up its global headquarters in India, underlining the market’s growing strategic importance for the company.

With its fresh funding and ambitious roadmap, Nothing is positioning itself as a pioneer in the AI-native hardware space, looking to redefine how users interact with technology in the years ahead.