Tag: Zenfone

  • Asus Chairman Halts Smartphone Launches to Focus on AI Tech

    Asus Chairman Halts Smartphone Launches to Focus on AI Tech

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus will stop launching new smartphone models and focus on the AI market.
    2. The company plans to invest in AI robotics and AI glasses for future developments.
    3. Asus experienced a 26.1% revenue growth, mainly from increased AI server installations.
    4. Future laptops may use Snapdragon X processors instead of Qualcomm chips.
    5. Asus acknowledges rising RAM costs and plans to manage price increases through design and supply chain strategies.


    As the AI boom is happening, businesses are quickly changing their focus. Jonney Shih, the chairman of Asus, has confirmed that the company will no longer be launching new smartphones. Instead, the focus will shift to making profits in the highly profitable AI market, particularly in robotics and smart glasses.

    Confirmation of Shift in Strategy

    VideoCardz shared recent statements made by Shih, which were captured by Taiwanese Money UDN. During a gala on January 16th, he stated, “Asus will no longer add new mobile phone models in the future.” Because of this, customers might not see a new Zenfone or ROG Phone for a while. Nonetheless, Shih promised to support the current models throughout this transition.

    Focus on AI Innovations

    The chairman mentioned that the company plans to explore “AI robot & robotics” and “AI glasses.” Looking at its 2025 financial report, the rationale behind this shift is clear. Revenue rose by 26.1% from the previous year, with a significant portion of the growth coming from increased AI server installations.

    Asus has never really taken the lead in the smartphone market with its high-end Zenfone or gaming models. Similarly, smart glasses from tech giants like Google and Apple have also had a hard time achieving widespread acceptance. Regardless, Shih might think that progress in AI technology could turn these gadgets into more mainstream products.

    Future Product Developments

    Inside TW expects that Asus will move away from using Qualcomm chips in its smartphones. Consumers might notice that more of its laptops will be powered by Snapdragon X processors. Qualcomm’s Dragonwing platform will play a vital role in creating more autonomous robots.

    Shih also talked about the memory shortage, acknowledging that current laptops and other items may see price increases. The company plans to rely on “design thinking and supply chain collaboration” to lessen the effect of rising RAM costs. Asus has already increased some MSRPs for laptops and desktops. However, it maintains that it has enough parts on hand to postpone other price hikes.

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  • Asus Discontinues Zenfone and ROG Phone Lineup for 2026

    Asus Discontinues Zenfone and ROG Phone Lineup for 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has a rich history with mobile devices, notably the Zenfone series since 2014 and pioneering gaming smartphones in 2018.
    2. After experimenting with compact flagship models post-2021, Asus returned to larger smartphones with the Zenfone 11 Ultra in 2024.
    3. There are strong rumors that Asus will pause the Zenfone and ROG Phone lines in 2026, with no new releases expected, including Zenfone 13 and ROG Phone 10.
    4. Despite the hiatus, Asus will continue to provide software updates and warranty services for existing Zenfone and ROG devices.
    5. Asus faces stiff competition from Chinese and South Korean manufacturers, raising questions about the future of its smartphone production after this pause.


    Asus has an intriguing past with its mobile devices. The Zenphones, which have been present since 2014, have consistently amazed with unique features like flip cameras. After 2021, the Taiwanese brand, similar to Apple, jumped on the trend of popular yet commercially unsuccessful compact flagship models before reverting to traditional larger smartphones with the Zenfone 11 Ultra in 2024 and the Zenfone 12 Ultra in 2025. Notably, Asus was one of the pioneers in gaming smartphones in 2018, but following the ROG Phone 9 Pro at the close of 2024, the series seemingly came to a halt, as no new models were introduced in 2025.

    Speculations and Confirmations

    In 2023, there were already whispers about the potential end of the Zenfone line, but Asus strongly refuted those claims at that time. Now, fresh rumors have re-emerged, and they seem to hold more weight this time, as reported by the Taiwanese industry source, Digitimes. The article states that Asus is not completely exiting the smartphone market, but plans to take a pause, meaning no new phone releases will happen in 2026. This indicates there won’t be a Zenfone 13 this year and likely no ROG Phone 10 either. However, Asus emphasizes that it will continue to offer software updates and warranty services for all current Zenfones and ROG devices.

    The Competitive Landscape

    It seems Asus is facing tough competition from manufacturers in mainland China and nearby South Korea. Its PC counterpart, Acer, left the smartphone market back in 2016 and now only markets mobile devices in India through a licensing agreement. Whether Asus will resume production of the Zenfone and ROG Phone in 2027, or if this hiatus will ultimately lead to a permanent shutdown, is something that remains to be seen.

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