Nokia has extended its licensing agreement with HMD Global beyond the original 2026 deadline, ensuring the continuation of Nokia-branded feature phones for several more years. While HMD Global has already phased out Nokia-branded smartphones, the deal allows it to keep producing and selling feature phones under the iconic name. Both companies have declined public comment, but sources familiar with the matter confirmed the extension.
India remains the cornerstone of Nokia’s feature phone business. HMD manufactures devices in both India and China, but India not only drives the highest domestic demand—it also serves as a key export hub. According to IDC, HMD commands a 22.4 percent share of India’s feature phone market by volume and over 30 percent by value. Nearly 54 million feature phones shipped in the country during 2024, highlighting why the brand continues to thrive in this segment even as smartphones dominate elsewhere.
For Nokia, the deal secures brand visibility in a category it once defined globally, keeping the name relevant among millions of users who still depend on basic phones. For HMD, continued access to Nokia branding bolsters its competitiveness in both rural and urban markets where recognition and trust in the name remain strong.
Looking ahead, HMD is expected to reduce its dependence on Nokia as it grows its own portfolio of HMD-branded smartphones, tablets, and accessories. The company is also exploring partnerships with other manufacturers, diversifying its offerings while maintaining the legacy of Nokia feature phones.
The extension underscores the enduring role of feature phones in regions like India, where affordability, durability, and battery longevity remain top priorities for large swaths of the population. Even as the global smartphone race accelerates, Nokia’s name continues to carry weight in the segment it helped create.
