Meizu Ceases Android Smartphone Operations, Pivoting Solely to AI Focus

Meizu, a prominent Chinese consumer electronics brand, has made a significant announcement regarding its departure from the Android smartphone sector. The company’s final foray into traditional smartphones came with the release of the Meizu 21 in China back in November 2023, marking a potential endpoint for its handset production.

Instead, Meizu has set its sights on a new trajectory, redirecting its efforts toward the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). With a firm commitment to AI, Meizu aims to pioneer the development of cutting-edge software and hardware solutions tailored to this burgeoning technology landscape.

Interestingly, this strategic shift isn’t Meizu’s first venture into reinvention; back in 2007, the brand transitioned away from manufacturing MP3 devices, signaling a precedent for adaptability and innovation. The company’s decision was initially disclosed by Li Nan, former marketing director of Meizu, through a Weibo post, later confirmed by an official video statement on the company’s website, wherein CEO Ziyu Shen cited evolving market dynamics as the primary impetus for this strategic pivot.

Shen underscored shifting consumer behavior patterns, noting that users now exhibit a longer smartphone upgrade cycle averaging approximately 51 months, or just over four years.

Moreover, he acknowledged the intensifying competition within the smartphone landscape, where rival manufacturers offer comparable performance in areas such as fluidity, photography, and software experience. With this in mind, Meizu is embracing a future centered around AI innovation, intending to redefine its market presence by focusing on terminal AI devices and delivering comprehensive hardware and software solutions.

Going forward, Meizu will modify its Flyme OS for smartphones into an operating system for AI devices. It will also develop a new mobile OS that will focus on AI features, and enable smartphones to integrate AI. Shen also referenced devices such as Humane’s AI Pin and Rabbit R1, hinting that it might try its hands on different form factors. Additionally, the announcement revealed that the Chinese consumer tech brand might unveil its first AI hardware later this year. No details were shared on what it might be.

Meizu further stated that the existing smartphones in China will continue to be supported, and the offline retail stores will also remain unaffected. It is not sure whether the smartphones in the international market will also be supported or not. This makes the Meizu 21 the last smartphone by the company, as it is not known whether it will ever return to work on the speculated Meizu 21 Pro, or Meizu 22 series.