ByteDance Unveils New AI Voice Assistant for ZTE Smartphones

Chinese technology giant ByteDance has announced the launch of a new AI-powered voice control assistant that will debut on an upcoming smartphone from ZTE Corp. The tool, built on ByteDance’s Doubao large language model, enables users to perform tasks through natural voice commands, including searching for content, making bookings, and managing daily functions. The company says the assistant will later expand to devices from additional smartphone manufacturers.

The new AI feature positions ByteDance as a strong competitor against other Chinese smartphone makers such as Huawei and Xiaomi, both of which have already integrated advanced AI capabilities into their devices. Apple’s own Apple Intelligence has not yet entered the Chinese market, creating an opportunity for domestic companies to attract users seeking powerful on-device AI. Alibaba has also announced plans to work with Apple to introduce localized AI features for iPhones in China.

ByteDance’s voice assistant will first appear on the ZTE Nubia M153, a prototype smartphone priced at 3,499 yuan (about $495). The device is available for limited pre-orders and has already boosted investor confidence. ZTE’s shares surged 10% on Monday—its highest level since late October—fueled by excitement over the new handset and reports of the company securing multiple 5G equipment contracts in Vietnam.

ByteDance emphasized that it has no intention of producing its own smartphones. Instead, the company is actively collaborating with various phone manufacturers to integrate its AI assistant widely across the market. This strategy aligns with ByteDance’s growing influence in consumer AI, largely driven by Doubao, its fast-growing chatbot.

According to data from Aicpb.com, Doubao recorded 159 million monthly active users in October, far surpassing Tencent’s Yuanbao with 73 million users and DeepSeek with 72 million. With strong adoption and expanding partnerships, ByteDance is positioning itself at the forefront of China’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem.