HONOR at MWC 2025 – $10 Billion AI ALPHA PLAN, 7 Years of OS Updates Announced, Honor Watch 5 Ultra, Pad V9 and Earbuds Open Unveiled

Highlights

• HONOR unveiled a $10 billion AI investment focusing on developing AI-driven smartphones, expanding the AI ecosystem.
• HONOR committed to providing 7 years of Android OS and security updates for its Magic series flagship smartphones.
• It also introduced the HONOR Watch 5 Ultra with ECG and Free Diving Mode, the HONOR Pad V9 with a 144Hz display and the HONOR Earbuds Open with AI translation and active noise cancellation.

HONOR made some big announcements at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, revealing its AI-powered future, a massive $10 billion investment and a commitment to 7 years of software support. The company introduced the HONOR Alpha Plan, a bold strategy to transform smartphones with AI along with new devices like the HONOR Watch 5 Ultra, HONOR Pad V9 and HONOR Earbuds Open.

A new era is here and a new HONOR is taking up the challenge.
Today marks the beginning of the HONOR ALPHA PLAN and we’re excited for this mission ahead. #HONORALPHA #HONORAI #HONORMWC2025 pic.twitter.com/6eHaM9XJSX

— HONOR (@Honorglobal) March 3, 2025

If you’re at MWC, you can check out HONOR’s latest innovations at Stand 3H10 in Hall 3, Fira Gran Via from March 3-6.

Here’s everything about the recent Honor announcements.

HONOR Alpha Plan – A Big AI Shift

HONOR is going beyond smartphones with its HONOR Alpha Plan, a three-stage AI strategy aimed at shaping the future of smart devices.

Step one of the plan involves developing an advanced AI-driven smartphone and collaborating with partners to push AI capabilities. Second, Honor will expand the AI ecosystem beyond smartphones, and third would be to use AI to unlock human potential and redefine how technology impacts society.

As the first letter of the Greek alphabet, alpha symbolizes our pursuit of excellence while it’s resemblance to the Chinese character “ren” emphasises the human element.
This new symbol, combining both, represents our ALPHA PLAN.#HONORALPHA #HONORAI pic.twitter.com/xCawyVgwaP

— HONOR (@Honorglobal) March 2, 2025

“It is clear that the AI revolution will reshape the paradigm of the device industry – completely  transforming our productivity, our society, and even our culture more than ever before,” said  James Li, CEO of HONOR. “I am calling on all of us to unite together to address the challenges  – as well as the many opportunities – of AI technology. I also call on the industry to be truly  open so that we can fully embrace this exciting AI future. Let’s do it together,” the company said.

The name “Alpha” was chosen to symbolize leadership in innovation, it’s the first letter of the Greek alphabet and also resembles the Chinese character for “human” (人), reflecting HONOR’s human-centered approach to AI.

Honor Commits $10 Billion AI Investment

“As we move into the physical AI era, we need to open our industry boundaries and co-create a new paradigm for the AI ecosystem,” said HONOR CEO George Zhao.

To support this vision, HONOR is investing over $10 billion over the next five years to develop AI-powered technologies and collaborations.

World’s First GUI-Based Mobile AI Agent

HONOR introduced a new AI agent that can book a restaurant table by considering your calendar and traffic conditions. In a demo with Google Cloud and Qualcomm, HONOR showed how this AI-powered assistant can simplify daily tasks.

AiMAGE – AI-Powered Photography

HONOR also unveiled AiMAGE, a new AI-based photo enhancement technology that uses:

• On-device AI: A 1.3 billion parameter model that improves image clarity by 50%.
• Cloud AI: A 12.4 billion parameter model that enhances telephoto shots with more detail.

The AI Upscale feature was developed with Google Cloud and can restore old portraits and will debut on the HONOR Magic7 series in March.

AI Connect – Cross-Platform File Sharing

HONOR introduced AI Connect, the world’s first all-ecosystem file-sharing technology, which allows fast wireless file transfers between Android and iOS devices.

Speeds –

• 125MB/s between HONOR devices
• 100MB/s with other Android phones
• 85MB/s to iPhones (via the new HONOR Connect app)

AI Deepfake Detection

HONOR is tackling misinformation with its AI Deepfake Detection tool, which analyses pixel inconsistencies, unnatural edges and facial mismatches to help users spot altered media.

Honor – 7 Years of Software and Security Updates

Caption – Future HONOR Magic devices launching with Android 15 with MagicOS 9. (Image credit – Honor)

HONOR is extending software support for its Magic series flagship smartphones, offering 7 years of Android OS and security updates. This means future HONOR Magic devices launching with Android 15 with MagicOS 9 running atop could get updates up to Android 22.

HONOR’s New Devices at MWC 2025

HONOR Watch 5 Ultra – Premium Build with ECG and Free Diving Mode

The HONOR Watch 5 Ultra brings a premium build with a Grade 5 titanium frame, a ceramic-like back, and a sapphire crystal display for extra durability. It features a 1.5-inch LTPO OLED screen with a variable refresh rate for smooth animations and battery efficiency.

The watch includes ECG monitoring for real-time heart tracking, Free Diving Mode that supports depths of up to 40 meters (130 feet), and an impressive 15-day battery life with wireless charging. It comes in Black with a fluoroelastomer strap and Brown with a leather strap.

HONOR Pad V9 – 144Hz Display and 66W Charging

HONOR also brought the HONOR Pad V9 to global markets. This 11.5-inch tablet boasts a 2.8K IPS LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. Powered by the Dimensity 8350 chipset, it is designed for productivity and entertainment, featuring eight IMAX Enhanced speakers for immersive audio.

The tablet packs a 10,100mAh battery with 66W fast charging and supports the Magic Pencil 3 and Smart Keyboard cover, both sold separately.

HONOR Earbuds Open – Open-Ear Design with AI Translation

For audio enthusiasts, the HONOR Earbuds Open offer a comfortable open-ear design with secure ear hooks for long-term wear. These earbuds support AI-powered live translation for 15 languages, Active Noise Cancellation, and a bone voiceprint sensor to ensure clear calls even in noisy environments.

They are IP54-rated for water resistance and deliver 6 hours of playback, extending to 22 hours with the charging case. A quick 15-minute charge provides 2 hours of listening time, making them a great companion for on-the-go users.

FAQs

Q1. What is the HONOR Alpha Plan?

Answer. The HONOR Alpha Plan is a three-stage AI strategy aimed at shaping the future of smart devices. It involves developing an advanced AI-driven smartphone, expanding the AI ecosystem beyond smartphones, and using AI to unlock human potential and redefine technology’s impact on society.

Q2. How much is HONOR investing in AI technology?

Answer. HONOR is investing over $10 billion over the next five years to develop AI-powered technologies and collaborations.

Q3. What is HONOR’s commitment to software updates?

Answer. HONOR is committed to providing 7 years of Android OS and security updates for its Magic series flagship smartphones.

Q4. What are the key features of the HONOR Watch 5 Ultra?

Answer. The HONOR Watch 5 Ultra features a Grade 5 titanium frame, ceramic-like back, sapphire crystal display, ECG monitoring, Free Diving Mode supporting depths of up to 40 meters, and a 15-day battery life with wireless charging.

Q5. What are the specifications of the HONOR Pad V9?

Answer. The HONOR Pad V9 is an 11.5-inch tablet with a 2.8K IPS LCD display, 144Hz refresh rate, Dimensity 8350 chipset, eight IMAX Enhanced speakers, 10,100mAh battery with 66W fast charging, and supports the Magic Pencil 3 and Smart Keyboard cover (both sold separately).

Also Read: HONOR Earbuds Open with AI Live Translation Announced