Shipping early next year, AOI’s latest “Signature Series” product is an innovative take on the universal smartphone housing concept
We saw the prototype at last month’s ADEX Big Blue Legacy in Singapore, and now AOI has officially announced the latest addition to its “Signature Series” of products: the UH-Phone-U1 universal housing for smartphones. Developed with Taiwanese underwater photographer Joe Chang, the housing aims to provide solutions to typical issues reported by users of smartphone housings, like Joe: touchscreen responsiveness, moisture intrusion, reliance on proprietary apps, and limited accessory compatibility,
Depth-rated to 80 meters (~260 feet) and compatible with most iOS, Android, and Harmony smartphones, the forthcoming housing features a wireless control grip with a large shutter button and an innovative trackball control system. The grip is removable to allow easy for switching between landscape or portrait shooting. The housing has built-in moisture detection (Vacuum Analysis & Wet Detection System), and it promises to be compatible with wet lens attachments and other accessories.
Check out the press release below and the accompanying product images. We look forward to knowing more about the UH-Phone-U1’s specs and pricing. Shipping is expected to begin in early 2027.
AOI’s first “Signature Series” product, a collaboration with renowned underwater videographer Kay Burn Lim, was the UH-GPx housing for GoPro, unveiled in 2024.
PRESS RELEASE
AOI Redefines Underwater Phone Photography: Introducing the UH-Phone-U1 Signature Series with Joe Chang
The Collaboration Continues: Signature Series 2026 Edition
The AOI Signature Series celebrates collaborations that merge creative insight with engineering excellence. Since its inception, the Series has showcased what becomes possible when AOI partners with accomplished underwater creators whose perspectives reshape how imaging tools are designed.
Previous Signature Series collaborators include award-winning videographer Kay Burn Lim and world-renowned underwater photographer Ace Wu, both of whom brought artistic vision that inspired products beyond conventional expectations.
For the Signature Series 2026 Edition, AOI proudly collaborates with Taiwanese underwater photographer Joe Chang (Chang Chiao Jen)—a widely respected creator with extensive experience shooting delicate marine subjects and capturing intimate underwater moments. Joe’s practical insights and real-world field experience made him an ideal partner in shaping AOI’s next-generation universal housing.
Born From Real Problems, Refined Through Real Diving
Joe’s journey with underwater phone housings began in 2018. As he tested various products over the years, he consistently encountered several industry-wide challenges that created frustration for users globally.
Divers commonly report issues such as:
- Touchscreen failure underwater, especially in low light or when water pressure increases
- Laggy or inconsistent screen responsiveness, making it difficult to change settings or focus
- Fogging or moisture intrusion, even with careful sealing
- App dependency, requiring proprietary apps that reduce speed or limit native camera capabilities
- Complex or slower setup processes before a dive
- Limited accessory compatibility, requiring extra adapters or workarounds
- Phone-fit restrictions, making housings obsolete whenever upgrading to a new device
Despite the popularity of many current models, these recurring challenges reinforced Joe’s belief that a new approach was needed—one that simplified the experience, expanded compatibility, and delivered the reliability divers expect from their primary imaging tools.
When Joe met AOI Founder and Managing Director Mr. Victor Tsui at the DRT Hong Kong Expo in 2024, the issues he shared aligned closely with AOI’s own long-term R&D insights. Their discussion quickly revealed that existing widely used models, while popular, had inadvertently highlighted systemic industry-wide limitations—reinforcing the belief that a fundamental new approach to control and reliability was necessary. That meeting sparked the collaboration that would shape the Signature Series 2026 Edition.
Introducing the AOI UH-Phone-U1 Signature Series
The UH-Phone-U1 turns real user frustrations into meaningful engineering improvements—bringing simplicity, reliability, and creative freedom to underwater smartphone photography.
Key Features
- 80-Meter Depth Rating
- Universal Compatibility with most iOS, Android, and Harmony phones
- Native Camera App Operation—no proprietary app required (The freedom to use all native phone features, filters, and speed—instantly.)
- Signature Track Ball Control System that is patented internationally for intuitive underwater navigation
- Wireless Control Grip with Oversized Shutter Button
- Removable Grip for Landscape or Portrait Switching
- Macro-Optimized Lens Position
- Integrated Accessory Rails
- Quick Release System Compatibility
- Vacuum Analysis & Wet Detection System (VWS)
A Message From AOI Managing Director, Victor Tsui
“The Signature Series has always been about bringing together the strengths of creators and engineers to make the impossible possible. Joe’s practical experience and honest feedback helped us eliminate the barriers, realizing our Passion Possible philosophy for underwater shooters. The UH-Phone-U1 is not just a product—it represents our shared vision to make underwater photography more accessible, more reliable, and ultimately, more enjoyable for everyone who feels that passion for the ocean.”— Victor Tsui, Managing Director, AOI Ltd.
