Reports are emerging about the imminent release of the second-generation Doubao smartphone, an AI agent device being jointly developed by Nubia and ByteDance. According to official confirmation from Nubia, the device presentation will take place at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, starting on July 17th.
According to leaked images, the new device will feature a blue metallic body, equipped with a dedicated orange button for AI and Nubia branding.
The first Doubao model was presented in December 2025 as a technical preview and sold 30,000 units on the first day. However, it subsequently faced blocking from major applications due to issues with the INJECT_EVENTS permission. Since then, the Obric UI operating system has undergone 216 days of continuous refinement, receiving over 10 system updates. The OS has evolved from version 1.0 to 2.3.0.0, transforming from an experimental product into a more mature consumer system.
Key AI improvements include expanded memory capabilities. The Doubao assistant can now automatically recognize and save user preferences from applications such as Xiaohongshu, Dianping, and Gaode Maps, forming a persistent personal information base. The memory function has become more natural: the assistant can deduce a home address from context without requiring repeated prompts. The phone's functionality has been significantly enhanced, reflected in a higher task completion rate during cross-application operations, as well as a redesigned execution interface that displays steps in real-time, thought process, and visual feedback animation.
Rumor has it that the device will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor, a BOE display module replacing the Shenzhen Tianma screen, and a Desay power management system utilizing ATL elements. Obric UI updates include major system enhancements: a revamped camera application capable of shooting live photos, macro mode, and improved image processing algorithms; the introduction of dark mode; a redesign of icons for the 500 most popular applications; and strengthened privacy features.
Voice interaction has been modernized with a continuous conversation feature, eliminating the need to repeat the keyword 'Doubao Doubao' with every exchange. Voice fingerprint recognition, which supports accessories, has also been improved to adapt to various audio input devices. The assistant now supports up to 20 core applications, including Didi, JD.com, and WeCom, with AI operation permissions refined down to specific functions.
The second-generation Doubao smartphone represents a significant step in ByteDance's strategy to build an AI-centric mobile ecosystem. It aims to compete with traditional smartphone OS manufacturers by offering a fundamentally different mode of interaction, where the AI assistant acts as the primary user interface rather than just an auxiliary feature.
