Nothing cancels this year’s CMF phone due to RAM prices

2026-06-19 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Mobile Devices, Consumer Electronics · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis announced the cancellation of a successor to the CMF Phone 2 Pro for this year, directly attributing the decision to prohibitive RAM prices. Nothing CEO Carl Pei further detailed the impact, stating that memory costs for their Phone 4A doubled between its development and launch, and have doubled again since, establishing memory as the most expensive component in a smartphone. This challenge extends beyond Nothing, as Apple CEO Tim Cook also declared RAM expenses "unsustainable," necessitating price increases. Despite the CMF phone cancellation, Evangelidis confirmed CMF still plans to launch several new products and enter new categories, with Nothing also having additional smartphone launches scheduled for the year.

Key takeaway

For product managers or procurement teams developing budget-friendly consumer electronics, the current "RAMageddon" means memory costs can double rapidly, making previously viable product lines unprofitable or unfeasible at target price points. You must factor in extreme component price volatility and consider alternative product strategies or pricing adjustments to avoid cancellations and maintain market competitiveness.

Key insights

Global RAM price hikes are forcing smartphone manufacturers like Nothing and Apple to cancel products or raise prices.

Principles

• Rising component costs directly force product cancellations.
• Memory is now the priciest smartphone component.
• Market volatility impacts product development cycles.

In practice

• Monitor global memory market trends.
• Diversify component sourcing strategies.
• Re-evaluate budget phone pricing models.

Topics

• RAM Prices
• Smartphone Manufacturing
• Supply Chain Volatility
• Nothing CMF
• Apple Pricing Strategy
• Consumer Electronics Market

Best for: Entrepreneur, Product Manager, Tech Journalist, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.