Nubia to Launch World's First AI-Powered Smartphone
Nubia has announced it will introduce the world's first AI-powered smartphone, positioning it as a mass-produced flagship device. The phone is slated for its public debut at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference.
Nubia, a Chinese technology company, has announced plans to launch the world's first AI-powered smartphone. The company confirmed the device will be officially unveiled at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).
The upcoming handset is described as a flagship model intended for mass production. Leaked information suggests the phone will feature an orange AI button and a blue body. Beyond the physical design, there are indications of novel AI functionalities that industry observers suggest other manufacturers should emulate.
Nubia's parent company, ZTE, has previously alluded to its upcoming AI smartphone advancements. In June, ZTE Chairman Fang Rong stated that the company's new generation AI phone was nearing its market release. This initiative signifies ZTE's strategic move to bring advanced AI capabilities from the cloud directly to end-user devices, aiming to enhance user interaction and stimulate growth within the terminal ecosystem.
ZTE has emphasized its commitment to deeply integrating AI into the operating system for a native AI experience, rather than relying on simple functional add-ons. The company is upgrading its system-level AI capabilities, incorporating its proprietary Co Claw intelligent scheduling technology to enable seamless cross-application and cross-ecosystem collaboration for improved task automation and user efficiency.
According to reports from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, sales of AI smartphones and AI PCs in China have seen substantial growth. Over 100 million units were shipped in 2023, with projections for 2024 indicating that sales of AI-enabled devices will surpass those of non-AI devices for the first time.