The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, and the battleground is expanding beyond the cloud. ByteDance, the company best known for TikTok, is making a significant move by embedding its Doubao AI assistant directly into smartphones. This strategy aims to redefine how users interact with their devices and intensifies the competition among mobile AI players.
This is more than just an application; it’s a system-level integration, deeply intertwined with the phone’s operating system. The implications are substantial, and the race to dominate the AI-driven mobile experience is officially underway.
ByteDance is not venturing into phone manufacturing. Instead, they are partnering with existing manufacturers to integrate Doubao directly into their devices. This approach allows them to bypass hardware development and focus on their strength: artificial intelligence.
Initial Collaboration with ZTE
The initial step is a limited collaboration with ZTE on the “nubia M153,” a device sold in limited quantities for 3,499 yuan ($493). While the M153 might not become a mainstream success, it serves as a proof-of-concept, demonstrating Doubao’s capabilities and setting the stage for broader “ecosystem cooperation” with other brands.
The Chinese market is already crowded with AI assistants. Companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Honor have launched devices featuring their own system-level AI, creating a highly competitive environment that ByteDance must navigate. Strategic partnerships and advanced AI technology will be crucial for success in this high-stakes arena.
Market Share and Key Competitors
Doubao currently leads China’s native AI app market with a reported 172 million monthly active users as of September 2025. However, competitors like High-Flyer Quant’s DeepSeek (145 million MAU) and Tencent’s Yuanbao (32.9 million MAU) are aggressively competing for user attention.
System-level integration provides a considerable advantage. Unlike traditional apps, Doubao can execute complex tasks across multiple applications, anticipating user needs and optimizing workflows. Imagine an assistant that proactively manages your calendar, drafts emails, and even books travel arrangements, all without requiring you to switch between apps.
User Base Growth
According to QuestMobile data from September 2025, system-level AI assistants already boast a user base of 535 million in China. This underscores the increasing demand for integrated, seamless AI experiences on mobile devices.
ByteDance’s initiative is part of a broader trend. Samsung, for example, has integrated Google’s Gemini AI assistant into its Galaxy A series, allowing users to activate it with a side button. Even Apple, though still seeking a local partner for its Apple Intelligence features in China, is under pressure to deliver a compelling AI experience on its devices.
Expert Perspective
“The integration of LLMs with hardware represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with technology,” argues AI analyst Anya Sharma. “It’s no longer about asking questions; it’s about having an intelligent companion that anticipates our needs and simplifies our lives.”
The integration of Doubao into smartphones signifies a new era in mobile AI. As AI assistants become more deeply embedded into our devices, they will transform how we work, communicate, and interact with the world. The key questions are: who will control the AI that controls our phones, and what implications will that have for our privacy, security, and autonomy?
