Meet TikTok’s New AI Phone That Can Call, Text And Book Tickets On Its Own

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has introduced a new AI-powered smartphone prototype in China that’s already stirring debate. Called the Nubia M153, the device was designed to perform tasks completely on its own.From making calls to booking tickets, using ByteDance’s in-house Doubao AI agent, the phone can perform all task without any help. Developed in collaboration with ZTE, the Nubia M153 runs on a customised version of Android with ByteDance’s Doubao AI deeply integrated into the system. Unlike regular voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Siri, Doubao was designed to see and interact with the phone’s interface -- just like a human user.In a demo by Shenzhen-based entrepreneur Taylor Ogan, the AI could autonomously complete tasks such as browsing

apps, sending messages and making calls -- all without any direct input from the user. The prototype showcased what could be the next big leap in smartphone AI -- a device that doesn’t just assist you but actually works for you.But soon after a public demo, the company decided to limit some of its features following serious privacy concerns.Many users and experts raised red flags about how such an AI might handle sensitive personal data, including private messages, contacts, and payment details. Following the feedback, ByteDance decided to scale back Doubao’s access to private functions, saying that protecting user information remains its top priority.The company has reportedly paused wider testing and is now working on stronger privacy frameworks before proceeding with any large-scale rollout. ByteDance’s move reflects growing caution among tech giants experimenting with agentic AI systems -- tools that can act independently on behalf of users.The Nubia M153 is surely an ambitious attempt to improve the smartphone experience through AI automation. While a phone that can handle tasks autonomously could change the way we use our devices, the privacy implications are equally serious.