Asus Exits Smartphone Race in 2026
Asus has officially announced a complete halt to new smartphone launches for 2026, including both Zenfone and ROG Phone series. This marks a dramatic shift for the company once celebrated for innovative gaming phones and compact flagships.
No New Zenfone or ROG Phone Models
Fans hoping for Zenfone 12 or ROG Phone 10 will be disappointed — neither series will see 2026 releases. The decision affects all smartphone categories, leaving Asus's current lineup as the final chapter of its mobile hardware journey for the year.
Software & Support Continue Uninterrupted
Current Asus smartphone owners needn't worry about abandonment. The company confirms ongoing software updates, service, and warranty support will continue as normal across all existing models. Security patches and feature updates remain on schedule.
Why the Temporary Pause?
While Asus calls this a "temporary pause," the reasoning remains unclear. Possible factors include:
-
Market saturation by Chinese brands dominating value-for-money flagships
-
Resource reallocation toward laptops, monitors, and gaming peripherals
-
Strategic repositioning amid declining smartphone margins
-
Chipset availability issues with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 supply constraints
What This Means for Consumers
Zenfone fans lose access to compact flagship alternatives in a market dominated by 6.7"+ devices.
ROG Phone loyalists must look to RedMagic, iQOO, or Nubia for gaming phones with cooling fans and triggers.
Current owners can use devices confidently with promised long-term support. (see the generated image above)
The Future Beyond 2026
Asus leaves the door open for a 2027 return, but competitors won't wait. Realme Neo 8, iQOO 15 Ultra, and others fill the gaming/performance void immediately. Asus's smartphone legacy continues through software, even if hardware takes a hiatus.