Nothing has confirmed that its debut smartphone, the Phone 1, will not receive a widespread release in the US or Canada, reports PCMag. Instead, a “limited number” of the devices will be distributed to EU community investors as part of a “closed beta,” Nothing said in a statement. He added that he hopes to launch a US-compatible smartphone in the future.
“While we would like to bring Phone 1 to the entire community around the world, we focus on the domestic markets, including the UK and Europe, where we have strong partnerships with leading local operators,” the company told PCMag in a statement. . “It takes a lot to launch a smartphone as you know, from making sure the phone has the support of the country’s cellular technologies to collaborations with operators and local regulation, and because still we are a young brand, we have to be strategic. “
“Because we’re still a young brand, we have to be strategic”
PCMag reports that anyone trying to use the Nothing phone in the U.S. is likely to have “unpredictable” coverage on T-Mobile, no LTE voice support on AT&T and no service on Verizon.
Rumors that the Phone 1 will not receive a full launch in the United States began to emerge after a limited number of smartphones went on sale before StockX before the official launch of the device on July 12. The product list included a disclaimer that the phone “is not fully compatible with North America. Functionality may be affected depending on your carrier, coverage, speed and / or reliability; absolutely “.
Historically, the U.S. smartphone market has been difficult for new entrants to enter. Phones from popular Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oppo and Huawei generally do not receive widespread releases in the country, and the phone selections of US operators are dominated by Apple and Samsung. It is perhaps not surprising that a startup like Nothing has not had more luck.