StepFun Launches World's First "Agentic AI Smartphone" — The StepX Neo

Chinese AI company StepFun has officially launched the StepX Neo on July 13, claiming it as the world's first "large model-native agentic smartphone."While OpenAI and ByteDance were reportedly racing to develop competing agentic AI phones, StepFun moved first.

The device runs on the Step AOS operating system and features the Amoo AI agent, designed as an integrated "model-software-hardware" AI product.

Unlike traditional smartphones that simply layer AI features onto existing systems, the StepX Neo was designed from the ground up around the Amoo AI agent.

The phone's Step AOS operating system was rebuilt to prioritize the AI agent's needs over traditional app-based workflows.

According to the company, this allows the Amoo agent to execute complex, multi-step tasks across different applications without requiring users to manually switch between apps.

The device features an interactive secondary display on the back, though the company has not yet revealed full hardware specifications or availability.

"The StepX Neo is positioned as an integrated 'model-software-hardware' AI product, marking a significant step for large-model companies extending from software services to hardware." – StepFun official announcement

StepFun announced partnerships with major Chinese services including Meituan, WPS, CapCut, Ctrip, Alipay, and Didi, enabling the Amoo agent to handle tasks such as travel booking, local services, and document editing.

The company is positioning itself at the intersection of AI and hardware, aiming to capture the growing demand for AI-native user experiences.

The launch comes just months after StepFun raised over 5 billion yuan in Series B+ funding, with investors including Tencent, state-owned funds, and industrial partners.

The company has been pursuing an "AI + terminal" strategy, having already integrated its models into over 42 million smartphones from brands including OPPO and Honor, as well as smart cockpit solutions with Geely.

The StepX Neo represents the most ambitious manifestation of that strategy to date, attempting to prove that AI can be the centerpiece of the hardware experience rather than just an add-on feature.