Nokia HMD License Nears Expiry in 2026

Nokia Eyes New Manufacturing Partnerships as HMD License Nears Expiry in 2026

Nokia is setting the stage for a significant return to the mobile market under its own name, as the company’s global licensing agreement with HMD Global inches toward expiration in 2026. In a recent community update shared on Reddit, Nokia revealed it is actively seeking partnerships with “large scale” mobile manufacturers, opening the door for a fresh chapter in its phone-making journey.

This move comes amidst a shift in HMD Global’s branding strategy. In 2024, HMD, which acquired Nokia’s mobile rights from Microsoft in 2016, started launching Android smartphones under the HMD brand instead of the classic Nokia name. Since then, the Nokia branding has mostly been reserved for feature phones, signaling a quieter presence in the smartphone space.

What’s at Stake for Nokia?

Nokia’s announcement suggests the Finnish giant is gearing up to reclaim its place in the global smartphone arena by potentially licensing its brand to other capable manufacturers. The current 10-year licensing deal with HMD Global is due to expire in 2026, at which point Nokia could either renew the agreement—or take its legacy elsewhere.

According to its 2023 Annual Report, Nokia’s patent licensing and technology agreements have been instrumental in maintaining its financial health despite declining mobile hardware sales. Licensing, therefore, isn’t just a business model—it’s a lifeline for the company’s profitability and brand relevance.

A Look Back: Nokia and HMD’s Journey

HMD Global was founded in 2016 by former Nokia executives, with a vision to revive the Nokia brand. The company signed a licensing deal that allowed it to manufacture, market, and distribute Nokia-branded smartphones and feature phones globally. These phones briefly followed the legacy of Microsoft’s Lumia devices before being reborn with Android OS under HMD.

But the narrative took a turn in early 2024, when HMD opted to prioritize its own branding. Devices such as HMD Crest 2, HMD Bold, and the upcoming HMD Arc 2 have signaled a new direction, while the Nokia label faded from flagship smartphones.

This branding shift likely pushed Nokia to explore new partnerships ahead of 2026, when it will regain the freedom to license its name to alternative partners, potentially marking its comeback to the mainstream smartphone market.

What Lies Ahead?

As of now, neither Nokia nor HMD Global has confirmed their post-2026 plans. However, the open invitation from Nokia to manufacturers via Reddit suggests a strategic realignment is already underway. This could see Nokia phones returning to global shelves—but this time, possibly produced by a different company entirely.

Meanwhile, HMD continues expanding its ecosystem, with recent product launches like the HMD T21 tablet and upcoming Rubber 1 and Rubber 1S smartwatches, indicating a full-blown pivot into its independent brand identity.

Whatever direction Nokia chooses, the expiration of the HMD license may herald a new era for one of mobile history’s most iconic brands—and the market will be watching closely.