Nokia looking for ‘large-scale’ mobile manufacturer – potential major shakeup in the industry when HMD’s 10‑year license deal expires in 2026

Nokia Now Searching for Large‐Scale Mobile Manufacturers

Knowledge Technology Desk, New Delhi – Nokia Corporation is now actively looking for large-scale electronic product manufacturers capable of producing smartphones and feature phones on a global scale under the Nokia brand. This was announced by the company’s community manager via social media, who invited “large‑scale mobile manufacturers” to reach out through Nokia’s official website.

The HMD Global Licensing Agreement

Nokia entered into a 10‑year global licensing agreement with HMD Global in December 2016, allowing HMD to design, manufacture, and market Nokia‑branded mobile phones worldwide. That license is set to expire in 2026, specifically in March .

Since February 2024, HMD has begun rolling out devices under its own “HMD Originals” brand, relegating Nokia branding primarily to feature phones. This shift indicates HMD Global’s intent to evolve beyond licensing the Nokia name .

Historical Background: Journey from 2016 to Present

• 2016: Nokia’s mobile division—formerly operating under Microsoft’s Lumia brand—was acquired by HMD Global. HMD then licensed the Nokia brand to launch Nokia‑branded smartphones and feature phones .
• 2016–2024: HMD Global maintained manufacturing of Nokia devices. Simultaneously, Nokia Technologies signed major patent licensing agreements with global OEMs—Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo and others—resulting in annual royalties of around €1.3 billion (~₹1.3–1.4 billion) .
• 2023–2024: With the launch of the HMD Originals brand and strategic diversification, Nokia‑branded smartphones gradually disappeared from key markets, persisting only in the feature‑phone segment such as the Nokia 105 Classic .

Why Is Nokia Seeking New Partners Now?

1. License Expires in 2026: Once HMD’s license ends, Nokia will be free to engage with new manufacturers.
2. Maintain Brand Relevance: The Nokia name retains strength in feature phones. Expanding into smartphones via new partnerships could restore its broader brand presence.
3. Global Reach: Partnering with established OEMs/ODMs could enhance Nokia’s manufacturing, distribution, and marketing capabilities.
4. Ongoing Licensing Revenue: Trading technology and trademarks through licensing deals remains a robust financial pillar for Nokia Technologies .

Potential Manufacturing Partners

• Dixon Technologies (Noida, India): Already producing Nokia feature phones and other telecom hardware, Dixon is a proven India-based partner for large-scale manufacturing.
• Global ODM/OEMs like Foxconn, Lenovo‑Motorola, TCL: Companies with global production capacity and networks—previously involved in Nokia patents or manufacturing—may be front-runners for future Nokia licensing partnerships.

Community and Industry Response

Online discussions suggest growing skepticism over HMD’s stewardship of Nokia. As one Reddit commenter observed:

“Allow the licensing deal with (the real) Nokia to expire, so that a more competent ODM could take over the manufacturing of Nokia branded Android smartphones.”

Another user expressed hope that a company like Lenovo could take up the Nokia brand:

“I certainly hope they manage to work out a new deal with another OEM/ODM licensee. I wouldn’t mind Lenovo making Nokia devices.”

Possible Strategic Directions

• Nokia may license its brand to a large OEM/ODM to re-enter the smartphone segment.
• The partner could be selected based on existing manufacturing infrastructure in markets such as India or China.
• Meanwhile, HMD Global is accelerating manufacturing in India—with partners like Dixon and Zet Town—both for domestic sales and exports to regions like West Asia and Africa, with plans to expand into Europe and the U.S. before 2026 .

Conclusion

As HMD Global’s Nokia licensing deal approaches its March 2026 expiration, Nokia is seeking large-scale mobile manufacturers to potentially carry forward its smartphone legacy. While HMD continues to consolidate under its own brand and strengthen operations in India and global markets, Nokia is positioning itself to re-engage the smartphone segment if a capable manufacturing partner emerges. The coming months will reveal whether Nokia finds a new licensee or renews its arrangement with HMD—and which company could helm Nokia’s next chapter in mobile devices.