What Happened to Nokia? The Untold Story of Nokia's Collapse, Explained
- Remember Nokia’s “unbreakable” phones? They ruled the early 2000s, but now... not so much.
- A partnership with Microsoft? It should’ve saved Nokia, but it totally backfired.
- Nokia didn’t just fall behind – they clung to a doomed operating system while the world embraced touchscreens.
- Today, Nokia still exists – but not in the way you’d expect.
Remember the 'indestructible' phone?
You might recall the early 2000s — a time when mobile phones were not just about functionality but durability. Nokia’s ‘brick’ phones, especially the Nokia 1100 and 1110, became a global phenomenon, with some 250 million units sold worldwide. These phones could withstand almost anything — drops, bumps, even being run over by a car.
But today, many younger people might not even know what Nokia is. The Finnish company that once ruled the mobile phone market now feels like a relic of the past. So, what happened to Nokia? Let’s dive into the history, missteps, and the brand’s current state.
Photo via Briefology (YouTube) // The complete history of Nokia's mobile phones and smartphones from 1984 to 2024.
Nokia’s Beginnings: From Paper to Phones
Founded in 1865 as a paper mill, Nokia had humble beginnings. Over the years, it evolved into a tech giant, particularly during the telecommunications boom. Nokia pioneered mobile phones with innovations that shaped the early industry, from introducing text messaging to providing affordable, reliable devices. The company’s early success in the 90s and early 2000s was built on durable hardware and long-lasting batteries — qualities that were a godsend in an era of daily life on-the-go.
Nokia also revolutionized the idea of phones as fashion accessories, allowing users to personalize their devices with interchangeable covers. This approach appealed to younger users and helped Nokia dominate the mobile market for over a decade.
Photo via Dezeen // The mobile phone industry was a lot more interesting back in the early 2000s. Here are some designs from Nokia, Motorola and BlackBerry.
The Decline: How Nokia Missed the Smartphone Revolution
While Nokia led the feature phone market, the rise of smartphones caught the company flat-footed. Nokia clung to its Symbian operating system — which, though groundbreaking at the time, couldn’t compete with the sleek, touch-based interfaces of Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Arguably, the launch of the iPhone in 2007 marked the beginning of the end for Nokia. Nokia resisted change for too long, and by the time it tried to pivot, it was too late.
A partnership with Microsoft in 2011 was intended to revive the brand, with Nokia adopting Windows Phone as its new operating system. But the move proved disastrous. As one Nokia insider put it, “We just didn’t have a product that could compete with the iPhone experience.” Windows Phone never gained traction due to a lack of apps, which deterred both users and developers. By 2013, Nokia sold its mobile phone division to Microsoft — but even this couldn’t save the failing brand.
Photo via DW // Microsoft and Nokia struck a deal to collaborate in 2011, but it was a massive failure with consumers.
The Microsoft Era: A Missed Opportunity
Microsoft had big ambitions for Nokia. The tech giant hoped to integrate the Windows Phone platform with its broader ecosystem of desktop software. However, the lack of developer support for Windows Phone crippled its app store, leaving users with far fewer options than those available on Android and iOS. The partnership that was meant to save Nokia only accelerated its decline. By 2015, Microsoft wrote off $7.6 billion in losses and laid off thousands of employees.
It became clear that Microsoft had gambled and lost — badly. Meanwhile, Nokia’s mobile phone business, once the pride of Finland, was essentially over.
Photo via CNET // The Nokia Lumia Windows Phone, praised for its innovative software design but largely avoided by consumers.
A New Beginning: Who Owns Nokia Today?
In 2016, HMD Global, a company founded by former Nokia employees, acquired the rights to the Nokia brand. Today, HMD Global manufactures Nokia-branded phones under license, producing budget-friendly smartphones running on Android. While these new phones aren’t setting the world on fire, they fill a niche in the market for affordable, reliable devices.
Nokia itself has shifted focus. It’s no longer a mobile phone company at heart but a major player in telecommunications infrastructure, network equipment, and patent licensing. It continues to thrive in these areas, but the mobile phone division — once its crown jewel — is a mere shadow of its former self.
Why Did Nokia Fail?
There isn’t just one reason for Nokia’s downfall — it was a combination of internal missteps, a failure to adapt, and missed opportunities. Stubbornly clinging to Symbian while the rest of the world moved on to touchscreens and app-based ecosystems was a fatal mistake. The partnership with Microsoft, though seemingly promising, failed to deliver results, as the Windows Phone system couldn’t compete with the versatility of Android and iOS.
Nokia’s fate serves as a cautionary tale in the tech industry: no matter how dominant a company is, failing to innovate and adapt can lead to a swift downfall.
Photo via How-To Geek // Symbian on Nokia worked fine, but it never 'wowed' consumers like the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android devices of the day did.
Does Nokia Still Make Phones?
Yes, Nokia phones still exist, but the brand operates differently. HMD Global is behind today’s Nokia phones, producing both smartphones and feature phones that cater to budget-conscious consumers. While they don’t have the influence they once had, Nokia phones remain a popular choice in certain markets due to their affordability and simplicity.
Nokia’s Legacy: A Cautionary Tale
Nokia’s story is both a testament to early success and a warning against complacency. In its prime, Nokia shaped the mobile phone industry, bringing innovative designs and ideas to the market. However, its inability to adapt to the smartphone revolution led to its rapid fall from grace.
The rise and fall of Nokia should remind businesses of the importance of staying ahead of the curve in a fast-moving industry. As technology continues to evolve, Nokia’s legacy will serve as a valuable lesson for future innovators.
Recommended by the editors:
Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 23rd October, 2024.
No password required
A confirmation request will be delivered to the email address you provide. Once confirmed, your comment will be published. It's as simple as two clicks.
Your email address will not be published publicly. Additionally, we will not send you marketing emails unless you opt-in.