Under pressure Ledger unveils plan to turn its crypto hardware wallet into a smartphone

Ledger, the French hardware wallet manufacturer, has unveiled its latest device, the Atom, designed with enhanced security features to prevent tampering. Priced at $849 and set to launch in summer 2027, the Atom is a smartphone-like device that combines a crypto wallet with common applications. It separates Android apps from sensitive wallet operations and includes protections to block the malicious implants found in recent wallets sold in Asia.

The company asserts that these protections would also prevent tampering even when the device is turned off. Additionally, Atom will support AI agent approvals, encrypted messaging, and post-quantum cryptography. Following a security incident that exposed malicious implants in wallets distributed through authorized resellers in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, Ledger has requested distributors to suspend sales of its products.

In a separate statement, Ledger announced new rules requiring authorized resellers to keep devices off display and hand them directly to customers at purchase, while also reaffirming that returned devices will never be resold.