There is a straightforward answer for anyone searching for the latest LG phone in 2024 or 2025: LG no longer manufactures smartphones. The South Korean technology giant officially shuttered its mobile division in July 2021, ending a multi-decade run of innovation and eccentric hardware design. While you may still see listings for "new" LG phones on certain e-commerce sites, these are either remaining old stock, refurbished units, or in some cases, fraudulent listings of non-existent future models.

The decision to exit the market was a seismic event in the tech world. LG was once the world's third-largest smartphone manufacturer, known for taking risks that competitors like Samsung or Apple deemed too dangerous. From the first capacitive touchscreen phone to the introduction of ultra-wide cameras, LG's DNA is still visible in the smartphones we carry today.

The Final Lineup: LG's Last Stand

Before the mobile division closed its doors, LG released a handful of devices that served as its "final curtain call." These phones were a mix of traditional flagships and wild experiments that aimed to reclaim market share.

LG Wing: The Swivel Innovation

The LG Wing remains perhaps the most daring smartphone of the last decade. Part of the "Explorer Project," the Wing featured a main 6.8-inch P-OLED display that could swivel 90 degrees horizontally to reveal a smaller 3.9-inch second screen beneath it.

The use cases were fascinating. In our testing of the device back in the day, the "Gimbal Mode" was a standout feature. By using the second screen as a grip, users could utilize on-screen controls to pan and tilt the camera digitally, creating incredibly smooth video without a physical stabilizer. It was heavy and niche, but it represented LG’s refusal to follow the "glass slab" trend.

LG Velvet: Refined Aesthetics

If the Wing was about "weirdness," the LG Velvet was about "beauty." It moved away from the bulky, spec-heavy V-series to a "Raindrop" camera design and a slim, symmetrical aesthetic. It featured the Snapdragon 765G, which brought 5G to a more accessible price point. The Velvet was intended to be a fashion-forward device, proving that LG could compete with the sleekness of the iPhone while maintaining features like the 3.5mm headphone jack (via a dongle) and Dual Screen support.

LG V60 ThinQ 5G: The Audiophile’s Dream

For many LG enthusiasts, the V60 ThinQ was the last "true" flagship. Released in early 2020, it packed the Snapdragon 865, a massive 5,000mAh battery, and a gorgeous 6.8-inch display. However, its true legacy lies in its audio capabilities. The V60 was the final flagship to feature the 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). This hardware allowed the phone to drive high-impedance professional headphones that would sound quiet or tinny on any other mobile device. To this day, the V60 is a sought-after item on the secondary market for portable audio enthusiasts.

Why LG Exited the Mobile Business

The departure of LG was not a sudden choice but the result of 23 consecutive quarters of financial losses. By 2021, the mobile division had accumulated approximately $4.5 billion in losses. Several factors contributed to this decline:

  1. Marketing Struggles: While Samsung spent billions on "Galaxy" branding, LG’s marketing often felt disjointed. Consumers knew LG for OLED TVs and washing machines, but the connection to premium mobile devices grew weaker over time.
  2. The Rise of Chinese Brands: Manufacturers like Xiaomi, OPPO, and OnePlus began offering flagship-level specs at "flagship killer" prices. LG found itself squeezed between the prestige of Apple/Samsung and the aggressive pricing of Chinese competitors.
  3. Software Update Delays: LG developed a reputation for being slow with Android OS updates. Even their "Software Upgrade Center" failed to deliver the timely support that power users demanded, leading to a loss of brand loyalty.
  4. Inconsistent Strategy: LG frequently jumped between different design languages. One year they were focused on modularity (the LG G5), and the next they were back to traditional slabs. This lack of a consistent "identity" made it hard to build a long-term fan base.

The 2025 Reality: Support and Software Death

If you are currently holding an LG phone or considering buying a used one in 2025, there is a critical update you must be aware of. LG has officially announced that most of its mobile services and update servers will reach their final end-of-life status by June 30, 2025.

What This Means for Users

  • Security Vulnerabilities: After June 2025, there will be no more security patches. This makes using an LG phone for banking or sensitive data increasingly risky as new exploits are discovered.
  • Service Shutdown: LG-specific apps like LG Health, LG Backup, and the LG SmartWorld theme store will likely cease to function or will be unable to connect to servers for data syncing.
  • Android Version Caps: The LG Velvet and V60 generally peaked at Android 13. While most apps today still support Android 13, in the coming years, new apps will begin to require higher API levels, eventually rendering these devices obsolete for modern software.

Dispelling the Rumors: The "LG Stylo 12" and "LG V100" Myths

In recent months, several low-quality "news" sites have published articles claiming that LG is returning in 2025 with models like the "LG Stylo 12" or "LG V100 ThinQ." These are entirely false.

These websites often use AI-generated content and fake renders to drive SEO traffic. LG's corporate strategy has shifted entirely toward Electric Vehicle (EV) components, AI-driven home appliances, and B2B solutions. There has been no official statement from LG Electronics regarding a return to the smartphone market. In fact, the company has repurposed its mobile production lines for other more profitable ventures.

How to Find an "LG-Like" Experience in 2025

If you are an LG "refugee" who misses the unique features of the brand, where should you look? No single manufacturer fills the void perfectly, but different brands capture pieces of the LG spirit.

For the Audiophile: Sony Xperia 1 VI or 5 V

Sony is currently the only major manufacturer that still prioritizes the wired audio experience. Their flagship Xperia line includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and high-resolution audio support. While it doesn't have the exact "Quad DAC" branding, Sony's internal circuitry is designed with audiophile-grade components, making it the closest spiritual successor to the LG V-series.

For the Multi-Tasker: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series

LG’s Dual Screen accessory was a precursor to the foldable revolution. If you loved the ability to run two apps side-by-side on separate screens, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers a much more refined version of that experience. Samsung’s software "One UI" has also matured to include many of the multitasking features LG once pioneered.

For the Quirky Innovator: Nothing Phone (2) or (3)

If you liked LG because their phones didn't look like everyone else's, the Nothing Phone is your best bet. With its "Glyph Interface" (LEDs on the back) and transparent design language, Nothing is taking the kind of aesthetic risks that LG was known for during the era of the LG Chocolate and LG G Flex.

For the Value Seeker: Google Pixel "A" Series

Many users loved LG’s mid-range K-series and Stylo models for their value. The Google Pixel 8a or 9a offers a clean Android experience with long-term software support and an incredible camera at a price point that LG used to dominate.

Historical Impact: What LG Gave the World

To understand why the "latest LG phone" is still a trending search, we must look at the innovations they introduced. Many features you use every day on your iPhone or Galaxy started with LG.

  • Ultra-Wide Cameras: The LG G5 was the first mainstream smartphone to feature a dedicated ultra-wide-angle lens. At the time, critics mocked it, but today, an ultra-wide lens is a mandatory feature on every flagship on earth.
  • Longer Aspect Ratios: The LG G6 was the first phone to move to the 18:9 aspect ratio, moving away from the old 16:9 "TV style" screens. This made large-screen phones easier to hold with one hand.
  • Double Tap to Wake: The "Knock On" feature debuted on the LG G2. Before this, you had to press a physical power button to see your notifications. Now, it is a standard gesture on almost every smartphone.
  • Laser Autofocus: LG introduced laser autofocus on the G3 to help the camera focus in low-light conditions, a technology still used by many high-end brands today.

Summary of the Current State of LG Mobile

Feature Status in 2025
New Model Availability None. LG exited the market in July 2021.
Final Flagship LG Wing and LG V60 ThinQ.
Software Support Officially ending for most devices by June 30, 2025.
Best Alternative for Audio Sony Xperia 1 series.
Best Alternative for Design Nothing Phone series.
Repairability Parts are becoming increasingly scarce; official repair centers are closing.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about LG Phones

Is LG ever coming back to the smartphone market?

As of 2025, there are no official plans for LG to return. The company has successfully pivoted its resources to more profitable sectors like automotive tech and robotics.

Can I still use my LG phone after June 2025?

Yes, the hardware will still function. However, you will not receive security updates, and many cloud-based LG services will stop working. You should consider upgrading to a supported device to ensure your data stays secure.

Does the LG Wing still get updates?

The LG Wing received its final major Android OS update (Android 13) in most regions. It is currently in its final phase of maintenance and will not receive Android 14 or 15.

Why are some sites selling "New" LG phones?

These are typically "New Old Stock" (NOS) that has been sitting in a warehouse, or they are refurbished units that have been repackaged to look new. Be extremely cautious when purchasing these, as the batteries may have degraded significantly over years of storage.

What happened to the LG Rollable?

The LG Rollable was nearly finished when the company closed the mobile division. A few units were sold to LG employees in South Korea, but it was never released to the general public. It remains one of the "greatest what-ifs" in tech history.

Conclusion

The search for the "latest LG phone" ends not with a new product, but with a legacy. LG was the "mad scientist" of the mobile world—sometimes their experiments failed spectacularly (like the modular G5), but often they pointed the way to the future. In 2025, the sun is finally setting on the software support for these devices, marking the true end of an era. While you can no longer buy a new LG phone, the innovations they sparked will continue to live on in every smartphone that features an ultra-wide camera, a tall screen, or a simple tap-to-wake gesture. For the loyal fans of the V-series or the Velvet, the best path forward is to cherish the remaining months of support and look toward brands like Sony or Samsung to fill the void left by a truly unique manufacturer.