Following LG, yet another prominent brand is stepping away from the smartphone market, at least for the time being.

      Do not anticipate the release of new Asus ROG Phone or ZenFone models in 2026.

      Asus is retreating from the smartphone sector, indicating a significant change for a brand that previously excelled in the gaming smartphone market. The company has announced it will halt smartphone operations in 2026, effectively pausing the launch of new ROG Phone and ZenFone devices for the time being.

      This decision follows years of difficulty in establishing a significant presence in a market dominated by major players like Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi. Although Asus smartphones have been recognized for their robust hardware and innovative features, they have not gained traction with mainstream consumers.

      Asus seems to be reassessing its smartphone strategy, likely redirecting its attention to more profitable areas such as gaming laptops and handheld devices. Nevertheless, the company has assured existing smartphone users that they will not be neglected.

      As reported by Digitimes, Asus's smartphone division “will sustain its current operational framework and continue to offer comprehensive after-sales support for all Asus smartphone owners.” This includes warranty services and software updates. The duration of this support remains uncertain, but users can expect updates to align with existing commitments.

      This isn't the end for Asus smartphones.

      Asus becomes the second major company to be affected by the increasingly cutthroat smartphone market. However, unlike LG, it does not appear to have completely given up on the segment.

      The company has merely stated that it will not introduce new devices in 2026. This could indicate a transition from an annual release cycle to fewer, more substantial upgrades, or it could represent a temporary pause as Asus evaluates the future of its smartphone division.

      In any case, Asus fans anticipating the next ROG Phone or ZenFone model should temper their expectations.

      Pranob is an experienced technology journalist with over eight years of covering consumer technology. His work has been…

      Leaked Galaxy S26 images offer an early glimpse at subtle design modifications.

      Samsung seems to be maintaining a familiar design with slight alterations.

      Samsung is preparing to launch its next flagship series later this month, and leaks are beginning to clarify what changes might be expected in the Galaxy S26 range. Previously, there have been reports outlining various hardware and software enhancements set to accompany the devices. Now, trusted leaker OnLeaks has released images providing a clearer view of the anticipated design changes.

      The images suggest that Samsung may adopt a new camera design for the upcoming models, featuring a vertical, pill-shaped camera housing three sensors. The Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to have two additional sensors along with an LED flash to the right of the camera housing, while the standard Galaxy S26 seems to include just a flash module.

      Reports indicate potential enhancements in battery capacity and camera capabilities on some models, with Samsung looking to reconfigure its component mix to maintain a stable price point.

      Samsung is said to be implementing a pricing freeze for its Galaxy S26 flagship introduction in March, even as component costs rise and the Korean won weakens. A Maeil Business Newspaper report indicates that Samsung also aims to keep prices consistent for its upcoming foldable devices, scheduled for July, in an effort to safeguard demand in the high-end market.

      If prices indeed remain unchanged, the pressing question is how Samsung manages the finances. When costs increase but prices stay the same, companies typically focus upgrades on the most noticeable areas for consumers and make adjustments elsewhere. Samsung Electronics executive Lee Jae-yong describes it as a dual approach: protecting market share with stable pricing while guarding profit margins through cost and specification adjustments across various models.

      Samsung reportedly plans to introduce a new privacy feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra that helps keep on-screen content discreet from onlookers. This feature, referred to as the "Privacy Display," was mentioned in a leaked internal build of One UI 8.5 last year. Although Samsung has not confirmed anything yet, a recent report has provided additional insights into how this feature could operate.

      In September, code found in the leaked One UI 8.5 build indicated that the feature would restrict screen visibility from sideways angles. It also suggested that the feature would activate automatically when using sensitive applications in crowded environments. Now, SammyGuru has uncovered a new page in Samsung's updated Tips app that reveals more details about this feature.