Hi @dln949 this query was previously addressed here /e/ smartphones
The status remains the same we are still working on getting a hardware manufacturer to pre load /e/. Most of them have agreements with Google which prevent them selling any non google OS on their phones. This includes forks from Android. This is known as the Android anti-fragmentation agreement. Google has total control on the manufacture of smartphones and manufacturers have expressed their helplessness on this.
We are working on the viability of setting up other means of providing /e/ loaded devices to users including starting a ROM flashing service where users send in their phones by post and we flash /e/ and send it back. Still is also under discussion.
In case there is any update on this status users will be updated on the forum and telegram channels.