Smartphone launch canceled after memory price spike
Meizu canceled the planned launch of the Meizu 22 Air smartphone, citing a sharp increase in global memory component costs that disrupted the product’s commercial planning ahead of release. The decision was announced during the Meizu Fan Spring Festival 2026 event in China.
Despite the cancellation, Meizu showcased the Meizu 22 Air’s design concept at the event. The phone was presented with a slim, lightweight form factor and a horizontal rear camera layout. Meizu also highlighted a customizable pixel-style rear lighting element branded Emotion Light, designed to display different patterns.
Meizu described the Meizu 22 Air as a customization-focused device built around a modular approach. The rear design was shown with a PIN (personal identification number)-style connector system intended to support attachable accessories. Demonstrated accessory concepts included a clip-on external battery pack, an add-on module aimed at cooling and gaming use, and an external camera module described for longer-range photography. A magnetic back cover concept was also presented, with interchangeable covers intended to change the phone’s look, alongside references to potential future collaborations tied to brands and intellectual property.
In parallel with canceling the phone’s release, Meizu introduced a new hardware concept centered on artificial intelligence: the Meizu 22 Next AI Cube. The company presented the device as a compact, standalone terminal with a 4-inch display and support for fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks.
The AI Cube runs Meizu’s AI operating system (AIOS) and was positioned around voice-first interaction, task automation, and coordination between artificial intelligence agents. Meizu also presented the device as supporting multi-device control through an ecosystem referred to as One-Flow, with compatibility for conventional applications and support for modular accessories.
Meizu did not announce pricing or a confirmed availability date for the AI Cube during the event.
