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Crypto wallet maker Ledger is moving beyond its familiar hardware wallets with a new USD 899 device that looks like a smartphone but is built around digital security. Called Ledger Atom, the device combines everyday Android apps with a separate secure environment for cryptocurrency transactions, encrypted messaging and AI-related tasks.
The announcement comes as Ledger investigates a theft involving modified hardware wallets sold through a reseller in Southeast Asia. Blockchain researchers estimate that more than USD 90 million in cryptocurrency was stolen from hundreds of wallets, although Ledger has not confirmed the total losses. The company said its own systems were not breached.
Atom will run two operating systems: an open-source version of Android for everyday apps and Ledger OS for sensitive activities. The latter runs on a secure chip, keeping transaction approval separate from the regular app environment.
The idea is to let users manage their crypto without constantly switching between a phone and a separate hardware wallet. Users will be able to send and receive digital assets, access services from third-party platforms such as Kraken, and approve transactions within the device’s secure environment.
Ledger also plans to support AI agents through OpenClaw. Its encrypted messaging feature is designed to let users send private messages without Ledger having access to their unencrypted content.
The launch follows reports that some Ledger devices sold through Malaysian reseller CryptoBilis contained an unauthorised hardware implant. According to Ledger’s investigation, the hidden component could capture recovery phrases displayed during device setup and transmit them to attackers.
A recovery phrase can give someone control over a cryptocurrency wallet, making its exposure particularly dangerous. The incident appears to involve physical tampering in the supply chain rather than a breach of Ledger’s internal systems.
According to Ledger, Atom will include additional safeguards designed to detect attempts to open its enclosure or remove the display. These protections are intended to address the kind of hardware implant identified in the investigation.
Also Read: Ledger Confirms Hardware Implant in Crypto Wallet Linked to USD 102 Million Theft
Ledger expects Atom to become available in summer 2027. The standard price will be USD 899, while a limited Founder’s Edition has been offered at USD 849, according to reports. The company sees opportunities beyond cryptocurrency storage, including tokenized assets and digital identity verification as AI agents become more common.
Whether customers will embrace a dedicated security device at this price remains to be seen. For Ledger, Atom is both a move into a broader market and a test of whether stronger security can help restore confidence after a troubling supply-chain incident.
