Honor’s Bold Move into the Future of AI and Smart Devices
Honor, once known as the younger sibling of the Chinese tech giant Huawei, has come a long way since their separation. At MWC 2025, Honor took a bold step forward, solidifying its position not just as a rival to top Android smartphone makers but also as a key player in the broader AI device market. While the company didn’t unveil a new smartphone at the Barcelona event—it had already launched its flagship Magic 7 Pro in January—it made a significant announcement: a $10 billion investment in AI products and devices. This move signals Honor’s commitment to revolutionizing the tech industry, starting with a new generation of intelligent phones designed to transform human-device interaction. In collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, Honor aims to create phones that integrate advanced AI capabilities, ensuring data security and user privacy. Matt Waldbusser, managing director of consumer AI at Google Cloud, emphasized the partnership’s goal of unlocking new possibilities for users by deeply integrating Google’s Gemini AI models into Honor’s solutions.
AI-Powered Vision: Redefining How We Interact with Devices
Honor’s vision for the future revolves around agentic AI, a concept that shifts the focus from app-based interfaces to intelligent agents that can complete tasks on behalf of users. This approach, first introduced at last year’s MWC, has gained momentum and promises to radically change how we interact with our devices. For instance, users could ask their AI agent to book a flight, and the agent would coordinate across apps—checking availability, comparing prices, and finalizing the booking without the user having to navigate through multiple interfaces. During its MWC 2025 keynote, Honor showcased the latest version of its AI agent, hinting at its imminent arrival on Honor devices. This technology has the potential to streamline daily tasks, making smartphones more intuitive and user-friendly.
The Alpha Plan: Honor’s Strategy for AI and Cross-Platform Integration
The cornerstone of Honor’s AI ambitions is its “Alpha Plan,” a new strategy spearheaded by recently appointed CEO James Li. This plan outlines Honor’s goal of creating AI devices and services that operate seamlessly across different operating systems. The first step in this strategy is a universal file-sharing system designed to enable ultra-fast transfers between iOS and Android devices. This innovation addresses a long-standing challenge in cross-platform compatibility, making it easier for users to switch between ecosystems. Additionally, Honor announced that existing phones will receive extended support, including seven years of Android OS and security updates, up from the previous five. These updates will also introduce AI-powered features like image upscaling to restore old photos and deepfake detection, which will debut on the Magic 7 Pro.
New Devices: Expanding Honor’s Ecosystem
While AI took center stage at MWC 2025, Honor also showcased its latest lineup of smart devices. The company introduced the Honor Earbuds Open for €149 (approximately $155), offering a sleek design and advanced audio capabilities. For fitness enthusiasts, the Honor Watch 5 Ultra was unveiled at €279, featuring cutting-edge health and fitness tracking features. The Honor Pad V9, a tablet designed for versatility and productivity, was also announced at €250. Additionally, Honor teased the upcoming release of the MagicBook Pro14 laptop, further expanding its ecosystem of connected devices. These products highlight Honor’s commitment to creating a seamless and integrated user experience across multiple form factors.
The Future of AI: How Honor is Leading the Charge
Honor’s push into AI is not just about innovation—it’s about redefining what smartphones and smart devices can do. The company’s focus on agentic AI and cross-platform integration reflects a broader industry trend toward more intuitive and interconnected technologies. By collaborating with industry leaders like Google and Qualcomm, Honor is positioning itself as a pioneer in this space. The integration of AI into devices like the Magic 7 Pro and the development of advanced features like deepfake detection showcase the practical applications of AI in enhancing user experiences. Whether it’s restoring old photos or protecting users from misinformation, Honor is leveraging AI to solve real-world problems.
Conclusion: Honor’s Ambition to Shape the Future
With its $10 billion investment in AI and the unveiling of the Alpha Plan, Honor is making a bold statement: it’s no longer just a smartphone company. The company is striving to become a leader in the AI-powered device landscape, with a vision that extends far beyond traditional smartphones. From intelligent agents that simplify our lives to cross-platform solutions that break down barriers between ecosystems, Honor is charting a course for the future. As the tech world continues to evolve, Honor’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and user-centric solutions positions it as a key player in shaping the next generation of AI-driven devices. With MWC 2025 marking a new chapter in its journey, Honor is ready to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
