Second-Generation Doubao AI Smart Agent Phone: Key Details Ahead of WAIC2026 Debut

The second-generation Doubao AI smart agent phone is inching closer to its official reveal, with a flurry of leaks and announcements painting a clearer picture of what to expect.

On July 10, tech news outlet Zhidongxi reported that a well-known Chinese consumer electronics blogger, Digital Chat Station, leaked details of Nubia’s "world’s first AI smart agent phone" on Weibo. The device features an orange AI button, a blue body, and the "nubia" logo on the back. Nubia later confirmed the phone will make its debut at the WAIC2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference opening on July 17, noting that blue was chosen as the color representing "smart agent thinking."

Ni Fei, Senior Vice President of ZTE Corporation, General Manager of ZTE Terminal Business Unit, and President of Nubia, stated on Weibo that this will be a mass-produced flagship model. Adding to the excitement, AI model company Step Stars also teased the launch of the world’s first AI smart agent phone during WAIC2026, fueling industry anticipation for new AI phone forms and use cases.

While official hardware specs remain unconfirmed, industry insiders suggest the second-gen Doubao phone may be powered by the 5th Gen Snapdragon 8 Ultimate processor. Rumored changes include switching the screen supplier from Tianma to BOE, and adopting Desay’s battery management solution paired with ATL’s battery cells.

The biggest upgrades lie in the software layer. Over 216 days since the first-gen Doubao phone’s launch, its Obric UI operating system has undergone over 10 updates, now reaching version v2.3.0.0. The system’s core, the Doubao Phone Assistant, has seen significant improvements in memory and operational capabilities.

Memory-wise, the assistant now actively captures and stores user favorites from apps like Xiaohongshu, Dazhong Dianping, and Amap into a global memory system, forming a retrievable personal database. It also excels at recalling stored info—for example, once the home address is saved, phrases like "go home" or "my neighborhood" trigger automatic retrieval without reconfirmation. When missing info is needed (e.g., filling in a shipping address), it proactively accesses authorized system data.

Operational improvements include higher success rates for app launches, system setting changes, and cross-app tasks. A redesigned task execution interface now shows real-time steps, thought processes, and progress with visual animations, eliminating the "lost" feeling users had with older versions. The assistant also offers interactive tabs for confirmations instead of just voice or text.

Voice interaction has been enhanced too: a beta continuous dialogue feature allows users to chat without repeating the wake word "Doubao Doubao," similar to the Doubao App’s voice call experience. Wake-up success rates have improved, especially with accessories like headphones, thanks to the "accessory-enhanced voiceprint" function that adapts to different audio input devices.

Beyond AI, Obric UI has been maturing into a consumer-ready system. The camera app, once basic, now includes live photos, macro shooting, and filters, with optimized algorithms for better capture success and stability. Other system tools and security features have also been补齐 to meet mainstream user expectations.

Sources

• Zhidongxi via Tech.ifeng.com: Link
• Digital Chat Station (Weibo)
• Nubia Official Announcement
• Ni Fei (Nubia President) Weibo Post
• Step Stars Announcement