2026 has barely begun, and we already have what could be the most disruptive news of the year for the Android ecosystem. According to a recent report shared by GSMArena , ASUS has decided not to release any new phones throughout 2026 .
For fans of the brand in Chile , especially gamers who eagerly await the next ROG Phone and compact phone enthusiasts who look for the Zenfone , this comes as a major surprise. What's behind this decision, and how will it affect those looking to upgrade their device at GSMPRO.CL?
Are the ROG Phone 10 and Zenfone 12 no longer on the market this year? We analyze the report.
A year without news: What exactly does the report say?
The information, which began circulating on January 2nd, suggests that ASUS is reassessing its roadmap for its mobile division. Following the launch of the ROG Phone 9 series in late 2025, the Taiwanese brand has reportedly opted for a "sabbatical year" regarding phone hardware releases.
This means that the highly anticipated ROG Phone 10 and Zenfone 12 won't see the light of day for the next 12 months. The reasons could range from an internal restructuring to focus on Artificial Intelligence and servers, to simply extending the life cycle of their current models, which already feature the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
What does this mean for gamers in Chile?
In Chile , the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand has an extremely loyal fanbase that values active cooling and ultrasonic triggers. If this report is fully confirmed, the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro will automatically become the reigning champions for much longer.
- 🚩 Model longevity: The ROG Phone 9 will not become "obsolete" in 6 months, protecting the investment of those who buy it today.
- 🚩 Software Support: ASUS would have more resources to polish Android 16 updates for existing models.
- 🚩 Availability: With no new models available, stock of current versions in Chile could become scarcer and more coveted towards the second half of the year.
Zenfone: The end of an era for lovers of compact devices
For Zenfone users, the news is bittersweet. The Zenfone 11 Ultra already marked a shift towards larger screens, and the absence of a Zenfone 12 this year leaves a void in the high-end market for those seeking something different from Samsung or Apple. However, this also means that devices like the Zenfone 11 will continue to receive priority attention in terms of security patches and system improvements.
Our recommendation on GSMPRO.CL
If you've been waiting for the "ROG Phone 10" to upgrade your gaming setup in Chile, our suggestion is to wait no longer . The technological leap the 9 series made with the Snapdragon 8 Elite is so massive that the device has more than enough power for the next 3 or 4 years of competitive gaming.
Given the potential lack of new releases, securing a ROG Phone 9 today is the smartest move before global stock starts to fluctuate.
Are you still loyal to ASUS?
Explore our catalog of ASUS devices with warranty and fast shipping throughout Chile. The ROG Phone 9 is still king!
View Available ASUS ModelsFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it official that ASUS will not release phones in 2026?
This is a report from sources close to the industry (shared by GSMArena). ASUS has not yet issued a global statement denying or confirming the report, but the lack of leaks of new models to date supports the theory.
Can I buy the ROG Phone 9 in Chile?
Yes, at GSMPRO.CL we have stock available with shipping throughout Chile and full multiband homologation.
Will my current ASUS phone continue to be supported?
Absolutely. The absence of new releases usually translates into longer support for current models.