Nothing CEO Carl Pei on India Flagship Store, Foldables and AI Future of Smartphones

Nothing CEO Carl Pei on India Flagship Store, Foldables and AI Future of Smartphones

British technology company Nothing is betting big on India as its next major growth market. In a recent conversation with The Indian Express, founder and CEO Carl Pei shared his vision for the brand’s first flagship store in India, the future of foldable devices, and how artificial intelligence will shape the next generation of smartphones.

Nothing Opens Its First Flagship Store in India

Speaking ahead of the launch, Carl Pei appeared calm but optimistic about customer reactions to the new store. He said he was eager to see how people would respond once the doors opened.

I look forward to seeing what happens tomorrow — whether people show up or not, and how they react to the store, Pei said before the launch.

Located in Bengaluru’s upscale Indiranagar neighbourhood, the new flagship outlet marks Nothing’s first company-owned retail store in India. The move reflects the company’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in the country, which has quickly become one of its most important markets.

India: A Key Growth Market for Nothing

With a population of over 1.5 billion, India represents a massive opportunity for smartphone brands. Nothing believes that establishing physical retail stores will help improve customer engagement, brand visibility, and overall sales growth in the region.

Pei emphasized that the company sees India as a priority market where demand for premium yet unique smartphones continues to rise.

The Future of Foldables and AI-Driven Smartphones

During the discussion, Pei also spoke about the direction smartphones are heading in the AI era. According to him, artificial intelligence will play a major role in redefining how users interact with their devices, making smartphones more intuitive and personalized.

While foldable phones continue to evolve, Nothing is carefully evaluating how new form factors can deliver real value to users rather than simply following industry trends.

Looking Ahead

The opening of the flagship store signals Nothing’s growing commitment to India and its ambition to expand beyond online sales. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday technology, the company aims to build devices that feel simpler, smarter, and more human-focused.