Nikon’s latest press release about the collaborations with Nissin and Profoto did not provide much information about the new partnerships. Both Nissin and Profoto already have products designed for Nikon cameras. My uneducated guess is that Nikon will no longer develop new flash or lighting products and they want to make sure Nikon shooters can get anything they need from third-party manufacturers. I think now Nikon will actually start providing development support to Nissin and Profoto. where before third-party manufacturers had to do the engineering alone in-house.
The last Nikon Speedlight SB-5000 was announced back in 2015.
The Profoto press release actually provides a bit more information – they talk about “further improved functionality“:
Profoto and Nikon announce collaboration
Profoto and Nikon today announce their collaboration for further improved functionality for professional photographers.
“Profoto is very pleased to collaborate with Nikon, the professional camera brand with its origin in Japan. This collaboration between two industry leaders in professional photography provides a unique platform that will enable future improvements for the world’s best and most ambitious photographers” says Anders Hedebark, CEO of Profoto.
The unique Profoto AirTTL revolutionized the way photographers work when it was first announced in November 2013. Profoto enables a lean workflow by making it possible to wirelessly integrate and truly merge your camera with your flash, thus empowering photographers to be more creative and focus less on settings.
Light is the essence of every image and with Profoto AirTTL light shaping becomes simpler. It unlocks new creative possibilities and helps you go from idea to final image faster.
Profoto Air Remote TTL-N, Profoto Connect-N and Profoto A10-N are available at dealers and rentals around the world.
