CMF by Nothing Skips 2026 Phone Release: What You Need To Know

Nothing’s budget-focused sub-brand, CMF, has confirmed it will not release a new smartphone in 2026. After the CMF Phone 1 disrupted the $200 market, fans expected a successor. Instead, the company is doubling down on accessories and software optimization for its existing hardware. For those of you waiting for a mid-cycle refresh, this news forces a pivot. You’ll need to look elsewhere for your next budget daily driver, as the current CMF lineup won’t see a hardware bump this year.

Why CMF is Hitting the Brakes on Hardware

I wasn’t shocked when the news dropped. The budget phone market is brutal right now. With the Pixel 9a starting at $499 and older models like the Galaxy S24 FE seeing heavy discounts, CMF’s strategy to pivot away from a 2026 phone makes financial sense. Developing a new chassis, sourcing MediaTek Dimensity chips, and optimizing Nothing OS takes millions in R&D. CMF is clearly choosing to preserve its margins rather than fight for scraps in a saturated segment. While the CMF Phone 1 was a cool experiment with its modular back panel, it lacked NFC and had a mediocre camera. If they couldn’t nail the basics, waiting another year to refine the formula is the right move, even if it leaves us hanging.

The Diminishing Returns of Budget Phones

The jump from the CMF Phone 1 to a hypothetical ‘Phone 2’ would be marginal at best. Unless they were planning to move to a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or add a telephoto lens, the performance delta would be negligible for the average user. Most people buying these phones just want a clean UI and decent battery life, both of which the CMF Phone 1 still delivers for $199.

The Current State of the $200-$300 Market

If you were holding out for a CMF phone in 2026, you are currently staring at a void. The budget space is dominated by Xiaomi’s Poco series and the Samsung Galaxy A-series. The Samsung Galaxy A55 is arguably the king of the sub-$400 segment, offering IP67 water resistance and four years of OS updates—things CMF struggled to provide. Meanwhile, the Poco X6 Pro gives you a MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra, which crushes the CMF Phone 1’s Dimensity 7300 in benchmarks. If you’re a power user or a gamer on a budget, you’re better off looking at those alternatives anyway. CMF’s decision to sit out 2026 confirms that they aren’t ready to compete with the massive supply chain efficiency of their rivals.

Software Support Gaps

One of the biggest reasons to skip CMF right now is the update cycle. Nothing promises two years of Android updates for the CMF line, compared to the four or five years you get from Samsung or Google. In 2026, a two-year support window feels outdated, especially as AI features become standard in every OS.

What This Means for CMF Owners

If you already own a CMF Phone 1, you’re stuck with what you have. CMF has committed to ‘security patches’ for the remainder of the year, but don’t expect major Android feature drops. The focus has shifted entirely to their Watch Pro 2 and Buds Pro 2 lines. It’s a classic move for a company trying to build an ecosystem without the massive overhead of a phone launch. I’ve been using the Buds Pro 2, and they are genuinely great for $59, but that doesn’t replace the need for a modern smartphone. If you’re feeling the itch to upgrade, you’re likely going to be looking at a different brand by Q4 2026, regardless of your brand loyalty to Nothing.

Focusing on Ecosystem Growth

CMF is betting that you’ll buy their cheaper hardware—the watches and audio gear—while keeping your phone from a more established player. They are positioning themselves as a lifestyle brand, similar to how Anker operates, rather than a direct competitor to Apple or Google.

Should You Buy a CMF Phone 1 Today?

Honestly? Only if you find it for under $150. At its original $199 price point, it’s a tough sell in mid-2026. The lack of NFC for tap-to-pay is a dealbreaker for most people in the US, and the camera performance hasn’t aged well compared to the computational photography found in the Pixel 8a or 9a. If you want that ‘Nothing’ aesthetic, look for a used Nothing Phone (2) instead. You get a much better display, better cameras, and significantly more reliable software performance. The CMF Phone 1 was a fun novelty, but it’s not a long-term solution for 2026, especially since we know for a fact that no software-backed hardware successor is coming to fix these issues this year.

The Used Market Advantage

You can find a refurbished Nothing Phone (2) for around $350 on eBay. For the extra $150, you get a premium LTPO OLED screen and much faster charging. It’s a significantly better value proposition than buying a dated CMF Phone 1 new in 2026.

⭐ Pro Tips

• If you need a budget phone today, grab a used Pixel 8a for around $320; the camera is miles ahead of any CMF device.
• Skip the CMF Phone 1 if you use contactless payments; it lacks the necessary NFC hardware, making it useless for Google Wallet.
• Don’t fall for ‘hype’ on social media; check the spec sheet for NFC and 5G band support before buying any budget phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

It’s a bummer that CMF isn’t pushing out a new phone, but it’s the right move for the brand’s survival. They aren’t ready to fight the giants. If you need a phone right now, don’t wait for a brand that isn’t delivering. Go with a proven budget king like the Pixel or Galaxy A-series. Stay tuned to my feed for more honest takes on the 2026 smartphone market.