Nothing has officially scrapped plans to launch the CMF Phone 3 Pro this year, marking a significant change for its budget-focused sub-brand. The decision comes despite earlier reports suggesting that the device was scheduled to arrive during the third quarter of 2026, with a likely launch window between August and September.

The confirmation came from Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis, who revealed that there will be no new CMF smartphone released in 2026. While the company did not initially provide extensive details, the reason behind the cancellation appears closely linked to the ongoing rise in memory and component costs affecting the smartphone industry.

According to Evangelidis, Nothing was unable to create a device that would represent a meaningful upgrade over the existing CMF Phone 2 Pro while still maintaining the affordable pricing strategy that defines the CMF brand. As component prices continue to increase, budget smartphones are among the hardest-hit products since manufacturers have less room to absorb higher production costs.

The CMF lineup was introduced as Nothing’s most affordable smartphone range, focusing on delivering strong value at aggressive price points. However, the current market environment has made it increasingly difficult for companies to introduce substantial hardware improvements without significantly raising prices.

Although fans hoping for a CMF Phone 3 Pro will be disappointed, Nothing says the CMF brand is far from inactive. Evangelidis confirmed that several new CMF products are still planned for release this year, including devices in entirely new product categories.

At the same time, Nothing has begun teasing another upcoming smartphone. While the company has not confirmed its identity, speculation is already building around the possibility of a new Nothing-branded handset arriving in the coming months.

For now, the CMF Phone 2 Pro remains the latest smartphone in the lineup, while Nothing shifts its focus toward other products and potentially new hardware announcements before the end of the year.