ByteDance's layout in the AI hardware field is accelerating comprehensively. According to "Intelligent Emergence," ByteDance has officially launched the official version project of "Doubao Phone Assistant." The highly anticipated second-generation Doubao phone is expected to be officially released in the mid-to-late second quarter of 2026.

Regarding the phone business, ByteDance has adopted a dual-track strategy of "self-research and development + cooperation":

  • Deeply customized models: The second-generation phone will continue to be jointly developed with Nubia, and the supply chain has significantly increased its market expectations compared to the first-generation test version.

  • Ecosystem open collaboration: ByteDance is negotiating with major internet companies such as ride-hailing and food delivery for access to common permissions; meanwhile, cooperating phone manufacturers are required to pay technology licensing fees and AI service subscription fees.

  • Multitude of manufacturer coverage: For top-tier manufacturers like OPPO and Honor, it mainly provides modular technologies such as model calling or Doubao input method; for brands like Tecno, Meizu, and Lenovo, it tends to directly embed a Doubao AI entry point in the system.

In addition to phones, ByteDance's ambitions in wearable devices have also become evident. A series of hardware equipped with the Doubao system will be released this year, including earphones and the highly anticipated AI glasses.

It is reported that the AI glasses project of ByteDance is being independently researched by three teams, and finally two core directions have been determined:

  • AI glasses without display: Focused on lightweight design, it is expected to be released first in the first quarter of this year (after the Spring Festival).

  • AI glasses with display: Featuring stronger interaction capabilities, it is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2026.