Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Chinese Firms Launch AI-Powered Smartphones
Chinese tech companies like ZTE, StepFun, and Honor are launching new smartphones with built-in AI services.
These devices, like the NaviX Ultra and Amoo, use AI agents to help users with tasks.
This is part of a bigger trend where companies are trying to make smartphones more useful with AI, especially as the global smartphone market is shrinking.
Apple is also getting involved in China with its own AI features.
The new phones are expected to be very popular and could take over more than half the market by 2026.
ZTE Corp. showcased the NaviX Ultra, the world's first smartphone with agent-like AI, featuring ByteDance's Doubao AI agent.
StepFun unveiled a device with a proprietary operating system and an integrated agent named Amoo.
Honor is showcasing an AI agent based on models co-developed with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
The global smartphone market is preparing for its largest-ever annual decline, impacting Chinese manufacturers heavily.
Chinese manufacturers are designing an 'agentic layer' within the operating system to allow AI to autonomously execute user instructions.
- Who
- Chinese tech firms (ZTE Corp., StepFun, Honor), ByteDance Ltd., Apple Inc.
- What
- Launch of AI-powered smartphones with integrated AI services.
- When
- During China's premier tech summit in Shanghai this week.
- Where
- Shanghai, China.
- Why
- To reinvent smartphones for the AI era and capture market share in a stagnant market.
Chinese Manufacturers
Apple Inc.
Market Strategy
Chinese Manufacturers
Chinese manufacturers are focusing on AI integration to differentiate their products and capture market share, leveraging local AI models and partnerships.
Apple Inc.
Apple Inc. is leveraging its brand strength and recent approvals to introduce AI features in China through partnerships with Alibaba and Baidu.
Innovation and Edge
Chinese Manufacturers
Chinese firms claim to have an edge in AI-powered smart devices, with unique features and rapid market adoption.
Apple Inc.
Apple has introduced significant innovations in the AI space and is positioning itself strongly in the Chinese market.
- Companies Involved
- ZTE Corp., StepFun, Honor, ByteDance Ltd., Apple Inc.
- Key Devices
- NaviX Ultra, Amoo, Apple Intelligence
- AI Agents
- Doubao, Amoo
- Market Impact
- Potential to capture over half the market by 2026
- Event
- World AI Conference in Shanghai
- Prototype Price
- 3,499 yuan ($516)
- Initial Batch
- 30,000 units sold out quickly
- Secondary Market Price
- Doubled on the secondary market