Chinese AI startup StepFun (阶跃星辰) launched the STEPX Neo smartphone on July 13, 2026, in Shanghai, marking the world's first AI agent-native handset powered by a large language model [1, 2, 3]. The device runs on StepFun's custom AI-native operating system Step AOS, specifically designed to support AI agents that manage tasks autonomously [1, 2, 3].
STEPX Neo features a built-in personal AI assistant called "Amoo," which interprets natural language commands and carries out complex multi-step processes across multiple applications and services without requiring manual user input [1, 2, 3]. It integrates smoothly with major Chinese platforms including Trip.com, Alipay, Didi, Meituan, WPS, and Jianying, enabling seamless task execution like booking travel, hailing rides, making payments, and creating content [1, 2, 3].
StepFun was founded in 2023 in Shanghai and is considered a unicorn in the AI large model space. The company's CEO is former Microsoft Global VP Jiang Daxin, with Yin Qi serving as chairman [1, 3]. Yin Qi stated, "People may need to redefine the future of hardware. Hardware is just part of the system, just a container ultimately. What users engage with is the Agent service" [3].
The launch represents a strategic move by Chinese AI companies to build a fully integrated ecosystem combining models, software, and hardware for AI terminals, moving beyond the traditional app-driven smartphone framework [1, 3]. Globally, firms like OpenAI and ByteDance have expressed plans to create AI-centered phones, but OpenAI aims for release around 2028 and faces various challenges [1, 3].
The STEPX brand, under which the phone and platform launched, claims to be the world's first AI-native terminal brand built around large language models [1, 2, 3]. STEPX Neo changes the interaction paradigm from manual interface navigation to natural language commands where the AI agent manages system resources to complete user requests independently [1, 3].
StepFun hosted the launch event in Shanghai on July 13, 2026, introducing both the STEPX Neo smartphone and the STEPX AI terminal brand to the market [1, 2, 3].
