Nothing's co-founder Akis Evangelidis confirmed on X that the company will not release a CMF Phone 3 Pro in 2026. The decision stems from dramatically rising RAM prices that would force the budget-focused CMF brand to abandon its core pricing philosophy. Evangelidis stated they cannot build a successor that feels like a genuine step forward at a price point that aligns with CMF's value proposition.

CEO Carl Pei reinforced these concerns, revealing that RAM now represents 50% of a smartphone's hardware bill. He noted prices doubled when the Phone 4a launched in March and have doubled again since. This escalation exceeds earlier projections and makes maintaining affordable pricing impossible for the CMF line, which has earned consumer praise for delivering budget devices without major compromises.

The announcement arrives shortly after Phone 3 Pro rumors surfaced, suggesting a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, 5,400-5,500mAh battery, and 50MP camera. However, those speculative specs won't materialize as planned. While CMF shifts focus to other products, Nothing's main lineup still has upcoming releases, including rumored Ear 3a earbuds.

This cancellation demonstrates how component shortages directly impact product roadmaps, forcing manufacturers to choose between profitability and brand consistency. Nothing's transparent communication reflects market realities rather than corporate indecision.