Apple has introduced the iPhone 17 with a refreshed design, yet Chinese rival Honor believes the device falls short on one of the industry’s biggest trends: artificial intelligence. In China, AI is seen as the decisive factor for smartphone success, and according to Honor, Apple’s latest flagship still lacks a truly advanced AI system.
What Honor Says
George Zhao, President of Brand Marketing and CMO of Honor Devices, praised the iPhone’s aesthetics but dismissed its competitiveness in China without “smart” features. “The iPhone 17’s design is impressive, but its AI functions don’t deliver. Don’t rush — the #GloryMagic8# is coming soon,” Zhao remarked.
Magic 8: Honor’s AI Ambition
Honor is positioning its upcoming Magic 8 series as its first true AI-powered smartphone line. Company executives have already hinted at three major upgrades that will push the devices beyond the previous generation. While design, brand identity, and hardware will remain uncompromised, the focus will shift strongly toward artificial intelligence.
Apple vs. Chinese Rivals
Meanwhile, Apple continues its struggle to regain ground in China with the iPhone 17. Competition with Huawei and Honor has intensified, and sales in the region are under pressure. Whether Apple’s design updates and incremental improvements can reverse the trend remains to be seen in the months ahead.
