TL;DR
After years of incremental product cycles from major mobile brands, 2026 is showing early signs that smaller, independent companies and creators may offer a different path — more experimental, people-driven hardware and services. Several niche players have returned or launched notable devices, though success is not guaranteed for every indie effort.
What happened
The established mobile companies have largely settled into predictable annual update rhythms, prompting criticism about a lack of surprise or bold innovation. In contrast, 2026 opened with a cluster of smaller firms and creator-led projects unveiling hardware that emphasizes experimentation and direct engagement with customers. Notable examples include the revived Pebble, which reclaimed its brand and open-source software while shipping new devices such as the Round 2 smartwatch and the Index 01 smart ring; Clicks, the maker of a keyboard case, revealing the Clicks Communicator smartphone at CES 2026; and the Sidephone team showing an early modular phone prototype and maintaining an active Subreddit. Other independents or niche-focused makers mentioned include Ayaneo, Minimal Phone, Fairphone, and Oura with its Ring 4. The coverage highlights founders’ visibility, responsiveness to buyers, and small-company agility as central strengths — even as some indie projects still face limits in mass-market appeal.
Why it matters
- Independent makers can introduce fresh hardware ideas and niche designs outside the annual, incremental update cycle of major brands.
- Founder-led projects tend to prioritize direct communication with customers, which can change product development and post-launch support.
- A shift toward smaller companies could widen choices for consumers seeking specialized, repairable, or less mainstream devices.
- Not every independent product will scale or attract large audiences, so the trend may diversify rather than immediately displace major players.
Key facts
- The article frames major mobile brands as following predictable, safe product update patterns with limited unexpected advancements.
- An 'independent' is described as a smaller, more agile company less constrained by shareholders and more able to engage directly with buyers.
- Pebble re-emerged in mid-2025, regained use of its name, secured open-source software, and began shipping new models, including the Round 2 smartwatch and Index 01 smart ring.
- Clicks revealed the Clicks Communicator smartphone at CES 2026; the company previously made the Clicks Keyboard case.
- Clicks' leadership includes Kevin Michaluk (known as CrackBerry Kevin) and co-founder Michael Fisher (known as MrMobile).
- Sidephone continues development with public updates on a dedicated Subreddit and showed an early modular-phone version at CES 2026.
- Other indie or niche projects cited include Ayaneo’s first Android phone, the Minimal Phone, Fairphone experimenting with alternative software, and Oura’s Ring 4 as a focused product contender.
- Some independent projects have struggled to find mass appeal; Rabbit and Humane are given as examples of efforts that didn’t achieve broad uptake.
- Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky has used a podcast and blog to connect with customers and provide product updates; Pebble offered preorder swap options between models.
What to watch next
- How Pebble’s Round 2 and Index 01 perform with wider buyers and whether shipping continues smoothly.
- Market reception and sales trajectory for the Clicks Communicator after its CES 2026 debut.
- Progress and demonstrations from Sidephone, including follow-up updates on its Subreddit and CES showings.
- not confirmed in the source: whether any of these independent efforts will substantially erode the market share of major mobile brands in 2026.
Quick glossary
- Independent (indie) maker: A smaller company or creator-driven business that operates with fewer corporate constraints and often focuses on niche products, direct customer engagement, and experimentation.
- Smart ring: A wearable device in ring form that can provide features like activity tracking, notifications, or biometric sensing.
- Modular phone: A handset designed with interchangeable components or modules so parts can be swapped, upgraded, or customized independently.
- CES: An annual technology trade show where companies large and small reveal new products and prototypes.
Reader FAQ
What does the article mean by 'independent' companies?
It refers to smaller, more agile businesses or creator-led teams that are less driven by shareholder pressures and more able to experiment and engage directly with customers.
Which independent projects are highlighted as noteworthy?
Examples cited include the revived Pebble (Round 2 and Index 01), the Clicks Communicator smartphone, Sidephone, Ayaneo’s Android phone, the Minimal Phone, Fairphone’s software experiments, and Oura’s Ring 4.
Will independents replace big mobile brands in 2026?
not confirmed in the source
Are all indie hardware projects likely to succeed?
No; the article notes several indie efforts lack mass appeal and cites Rabbit and Humane as examples of projects that did not achieve broad uptake.
Big tech is stagnant, and 2026 is our best opportunity to ditch the mobile giants yet Credit: Clicks By Andy Boxall Published 18 minutes ago Andy is a seasoned technology journalist…
Sources
- Big tech is stagnant, and 2026 is our best opportunity to ditch the mobile giants yet
- Top 10 Tech Policy Pronouncements, Prognostications …
- Here's (Almost) Everything Wall Street Expects in 2026
- These overlooked indicators say tech stocks may not lead …
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