Asus has confirmed plans to halt the launch of new smartphones in 2026, with reports indicating that its smartphone division will continue operations only until December 31, 2025. The company has informed its telecommunications partners of this decision, highlighting that existing models will still receive software updates and after-sales support.
The move comes amid challenges such as increased component costs and a slowdown in smartphone sales. Distributors in Taiwan have been struggling to obtain Asus smartphones, raising concerns about the brand's future in the competitive market. While the decision appears to be framed as a temporary pause, it could signal a deeper exit from the smartphone arena.
This announcement means fans of the ROG series and ZenFone line will not see new releases in 2026, including anticipated models like the ROG Phone 10 or ZenFone Ultra 13. The absence of Asus could impact the variety of choices for hardcore mobile gamers, as the brand has been recognized for its performance-oriented devices.