Report: iQOO May Pause Neo Series In 2026 To Focus On Other Phones

For the past few years, the iQOO Neo series has been a regular part of the brand’s smartphone lineup in India. These devices typically sit in the upper mid-range category and are known for combining strong performance with relatively competitive pricing.

But 2026 may look different for the series. According to information shared with Gadgets360 by sources familiar with the company’s plans, iQOO may not launch a new Neo-series phone in India this year.

If that turns out to be the case, it would be the first time in a while that the lineup skips an annual refresh.

A Possible Change In Portfolio Strategy

The sources suggest that the decision is connected to a broader shift in how smartphone brands are organizing their product portfolios.

As component costs rise and smartphone prices continue to increase, companies are gradually moving toward clearer product segmentation. Instead of launching several models that overlap in pricing and features, brands appear to be focusing on fewer devices with more defined roles.

In iQOO’s case, the company is said to be concentrating more on flagship-driven devices aimed at specific consumer groups.

Focus Moving Toward Other Lineups

That shift is already visible in some of iQOO’s recent launches.

Earlier this year, the company introduced the iQOO 15R in India with a starting price of ₹44,990. The phone is positioned toward users who want strong performance in a premium smartphone.

At the same time, iQOO is also expanding its lineup at lower price points. The company is preparing to launch the iQOO Z11x in India on March 12, a device expected to target buyers in the sub-₹23,000 segment.

Together, these launches suggest iQOO may be strengthening other smartphone families instead of introducing another Neo model this year.

The Neo Series’ Role In Recent Years

The Neo lineup has played an important role in iQOO’s portfolio, particularly for buyers looking for performance-oriented phones without stepping into flagship pricing.

In March 2025, the company launched the iQOO Neo 10R in India with a starting price of ₹26,999. Later in the year, the iQOO Neo 10 arrived with a starting price of ₹31,999, pushing the series further into the upper mid-range category.

For now, iQOO hasn’t publicly confirmed whether the Neo lineup will skip 2026. But if the reported strategy holds, the brand could be taking a pause from the series while focusing on other parts of its smartphone portfolio.