What to know

  • Nothing raised $200M, valuing the company at $1.3B.
  • First AI-native devices launch is planned for 2026 with a custom AI OS.
  • Devices will offer hyper-personalized experiences, adapting to user context.
  • Plans expand beyond phones to smart glasses, robots, and more.

Nothing, the London-based tech company, just made waves in the gadget world. They raised $200 million in funding and announced plans to launch their first AI-native devices in 2026. It's a step toward blending hardware and software into something smarter for everyday use.

The Funding Boost for (not) Nothing

The Series C round puts Nothing's valuation at $1.3 billion. Tiger Global led the investment, with help from existing backers like GV, Highland Europe, and EQT. New supporters include Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath and Qualcomm Ventures. This brings total funding to over $450 million since the company started in 2020.

Founder Carl Pei, who co-founded OnePlus before this, shared the news on X. He said the money will speed up innovation and expand distribution. Nothing has already shipped millions of devices and hit over $1 billion in sales by early 2025, with 150% growth in 2024. They're still working toward profitability, but this cash gives them room to experiment.

What are AI-Native devices, you ask?

Pei describes these as gadgets built from the ground up with AI in mind. They won't just add AI as an afterthought. Instead, the devices will use an "AI OS" that's different from what we have now. This OS aims for a hyper-personalized setup, where AI understands your needs and acts on them without much input.

For example, imagine a device that picks up on your context—like if you're driving or walking—and adjusts interfaces on the fly. It's not about apps taking over; it's AI agents handling tasks proactively. Nothing starts with phones, earbuds, and watches, but plans to expand to smart glasses, robots, electric vehicles, and more.

Pei thinks smartphones will stay central for AI, shipping in billions each year. But soon, we'll carry another key device alongside them. He didn't name specifics yet, so we're left guessing what the first ones might be.

The AI OS Vision – It's intimidatingly interesting!

Nothing's building this OS to run across all their hardware. It could build on Android, like their current Nothing OS, but with heavy AI tweaks. The goal is a "single intelligent system" that feels tailored to you. Pei talks about devices being available when you need them, turning understanding into action across senses like voice or touch.

This fits a bigger shift in tech. Companies like Apple have tried AI features, but mass appeal has been tough. Nothing wants to stand out by focusing on creativity and design for younger users who like fresh tech.

It's exciting, but not easy. The market for AI gadgets hasn't always clicked with everyone. Even big names struggle to make them must-haves. Nothing has to balance cool ideas with practical stuff that people actually want. They're aiming at a niche but growing fast.

Plus, building a new OS means competing with giants. They'll need to get it right to avoid bugs or privacy issues that turn users off.

If Nothing pulls this off, it could change how we interact with tech. No more fumbling with apps—AI just handles it based on what you're doing. For fans of their transparent designs and affordable phones, this adds a smart layer.

We'll see the first devices next year, so keep an eye out. Pei ends his post with: "We've been hard at work imagining what this future could look like, and can’t wait to launch some of our first AI-native devices next year." Sounds promising. What do you think—ready for AI everywhere?

What “AI-native” Means for Nothing

Here’s the thing: Instead of squeezing more AI into phones, Nothing wants to make gadgets that only work because of AI. Pei hints this could mean things like wearables, smartwatches, smart glasses, robots, or even something new. The point is, these devices should know a lot about whoever’s using them and help in a way that feels unique for every person.

  • Nothing is working on its own operating system called “AI OS”
  • The new system will focus on a super personal experience
  • The “AI-native” gear will work with and beyond existing tech like phones and earbuds

What Will These Devices Be Like?

Nothing’s being secretive. All Pei said is that these aren’t phones, but “additional” devices that people will carry alongside what they already have. They’ll rely on context—like where someone is or what they’re doing—to actually be helpful at the right time.

  • Could be something wearable or portable
  • Always available, not limited by pockets or hands
  • Meant to act when needed, not just wait for instructions

Why Not Just Upgrade Phones?

Pei says phones are powerful, but the way people use them hasn’t really changed. He believes that tech should move on from just photo edits and simple voice assistants. In his words, “A billion different operating systems for a billion different people.” In short, the vision is for technology that knows each person well enough to help out without being asked, handling little jobs or giving suggestions when needed.