February 01, 2024 – In a recent announcement, Jean Francois Baril, the CEO of HMD, revealed the launch of the company’s own-brand smartphones, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey.
According to reports, HMD is set to unveil its first-ever HMD-branded smartphone at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in February. This move also signifies the company’s decision to phase out the Nokia-branded smartphones, which it has been manufacturing and selling under license since 2016.
As part of this transition, HMD has discontinued its Nokia-branded social media accounts and has adopted the new handle “HMD Global” to represent its expanded portfolio and vision for the future. In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to creating sturdy, durable, fun, secure, and affordably priced mobile devices, a philosophy that has remained unchanged throughout its tenure.
Nokia, which was founded in 1865 and once stood shoulder to shoulder with Motorola at its peak, has undergone several transformations over the years. In 2011, the company formed a partnership with Microsoft, adopting the Windows Phone operating system for its smartphones. However, in 2014, Nokia completed the sale of its Devices and Services division to Microsoft, exiting the smartphone market entirely.
Two years later, in 2016, Nokia licensed its brand name to HMD, a move that has proven to be mutually beneficial for both parties. While HMD has successfully revived the Nokia brand in the smartphone market, it is now shifting its focus to establishing its own identity with the “HMD Global” moniker.
Although Nokia-branded smartphones may become a rarity in the future, the Finnish company remains a dominant force in the network equipment industry. With over 6,000 essential patents related to 5G technology, Nokia continues to have a profound impact on the smartphone industry, even as it transitions into a new era under the HMD banner.
