Last week the mobile landscape was hit by a huge shake-up: OnePlus has ended its European adventure (and in the United States), while the iconic OxygenOS will cease to exist – with the transition to ColorOS for current and future smartphones.
Apparently Pete Lau’s company is not the only one not doing well, at least according to a report published by Digit. Based on what emerged from an investigation by the outlet, Nothing also seems to be navigating rough waters: there is talk of a crisis and the Carl Pei brand could leave as many as 12 markets and cut its workforce by up to 40%.
Whispers of a crisis for Nothing? In India it’s a success, but the storm may be coming to other markets
The outsider company founded by a former OnePlus employee, throughout its history, has experienced moments of flop and many successes. One thing is certain: the main market seems to be India, so much so that it led to the opening of its first flagship store after the London one (remember that Nothing is a United Kingdom–based brand).
According to what emerged previously, it is the brand with the fastest growth in India in the second quarter of 2026, registering a 105% year-on-year growth – according to Counterpoint Research. The Phone (4a) series has been a success, and even the very latest Phone (4b) seems to have given considerable satisfaction in the Asian country.
Layoffs underway and the exit from 12 markets, according to a report
Despite the rosy situation in India, things globally don’t seem to be going well, with financial difficulties that could soon lead to a series of critical moves.
According to the Digit report, Nothing should bid farewell to at least 12 markets: the Middle East, Japan and some parts of Europe are mentioned, although it is not yet clear which ones they are.
The resizing plans foresee a 40% contraction of the global workforce, also extending to the Research and Development division. The cuts for this unit, located between China and London, should reach 50% and 30-40%, respectively.
Sales below expectations
The report also lays out a few numbers: since its debut, about 20,000 units of Phone (4b) would have been shipped, while total global shipments of Phone (4a) and (4a) Pro together would have reached about 150,000 units.
These figures are far from those recorded in 2025, with around 2 million units shipped globally. Clearly the reason is tied to the tech sector crisis: since last September memory prices have surged dramatically, with steep hikes that have weakened demand.
No smartphone in sight for the second half of the year
The sub-brand CMF has already clarified that this year will not launch a new phone, focusing on audio products. Meanwhile Nothing announced the mid-range Phone (4b) in July but it seems no other additions are planned for the brand’s lineup.
2026 should end without a new smartphone, a clear signal of the crisis at hand.
As usual, it’s worth remembering that this report should be treated as mere rumor, at least until official confirmation from Nothing.
