Known for its iconic indestructible mobile phones in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nokia faced a decline in the consumer phone market over the past decade. However, the company has not disappeared — it has adapted and transformed itself for the future of connectivity, cloud services, and AI-driven networks in 2026.
Moving away from consumer phones, Nokia now focuses on telecommunications infrastructure and advanced networking technologies. With a new strategic focus in 2026, the company has reorganized its operations into two main segments: Network Infrastructure (NI) and Mobile Infrastructure, aiming to simplify the business and focus on areas with stronger growth potential.
Nokia has set new financial and performance targets, with plans to increase annual operating profit significantly by 2028 and grow net sales steadily by focusing on core connectivity solutions. The company is also betting big on AI-ready networks, with major investments in AI-optimized connectivity technology and partnerships with leading technology companies.
While Nokia is no longer the handset king, it remains a trusted provider of infrastructure technology for telecom operators. The company has restructured its workforce to stay agile and cost-efficient, with plans to close or restructure some facilities in line with its long-term strategic goals.
Although Nokia no longer focuses primarily on handsets, the brand lives on through partnerships with companies like HMD Global for feature phones. By focusing on its strengths and adapting to the changing technological landscape, Nokia aims to remain competitive and relevant for the future as a pioneer in connectivity for the AI era.
