Honor has impressed with its foldable phone hardware like the Magic V2 and Magic V3, and the Magic 7 Pro even outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in some areas. However, hardware alone isn’t enough. Software is crucial, and Honor is finally addressing this with its ambitious Alpha Plan, announced at MWC 2025. This $10 billion investment aims to elevate Honor to compete directly with industry giants like Apple and Samsung.
Two apps running on the Honor Magic V3.
Transforming into an AI Ecosystem Company
Honor’s vision is to evolve from a smartphone manufacturer to a comprehensive “AI device ecosystem company.” This signifies an expansion beyond phones to include wearables, tablets, and laptops, all seamlessly integrated. Strategic partnerships with Google Cloud and Qualcomm are key to this transformation, focusing on revolutionizing human-device interaction through AI. Honor is committing $10 billion over the next five years to realize this ambitious Alpha Plan.
AI-Powered Features: A Glimpse into the Future
Honor showcased a few AI-driven features highlighting their focus on human-device interaction. One demonstration involved Honor’s AI agent booking a restaurant reservation, intelligently factoring in traffic and existing appointments from the Honor Calendar. While a specific release date is pending, it’s expected to launch internationally soon.
Honor Magic V2 back half folded.
AIMage: Elevating Mobile Photography
The Alpha Plan introduces AIMage, a new imaging technology brand. A key feature is AI Upscale, a tool designed to restore old portraits. This technology will debut this month on the Honor Magic 7 Pro and Magic 7 RSR.
Seamless Data Transfer and Deepfake Detection
Honor is also developing “all-ecosystem file-sharing technology” enabling seamless data transfer between Android and iOS devices. Similar to Oppo’s O+ Connect, users will need to install the Honor Connect app on their iPhones to utilize this feature. Furthermore, Honor’s AI-powered deepfake detection will soon be available on their latest flagship and foldable devices.
Competing with the Established Ecosystems
Honor’s emphasis on cross-device integration, combined with a commitment to seven years of Android OS upgrades, mirrors the strategies of Samsung and Apple, both boasting established ecosystems. While Honor’s existing cross-device integration is functional, its design needs modernization. The collaborations with Google Cloud and Qualcomm are promising, as Honor’s hardware has consistently been excellent, but its software has lagged. The Alpha Plan has the potential to significantly improve this aspect and bridge the gap.
The Future of Honor
The Alpha Plan signals Honor’s serious intent to compete at the highest level. By focusing on AI, cross-device synergy, and long-term software support, Honor is positioning itself as a compelling alternative to the dominant players. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether Honor can successfully execute its vision and secure a prominent position in the increasingly competitive tech landscape.
