"Securing the E-Cigarette Throne" KT&G Strikes Back with AI-Equipped 'Lil Able'

KT&G to Launch Heated Tobacco Device 'Lil Able' on the 16th
One Device Compatible with Three Types of Dedicated Sticks 'Aim'
Enhanced User Convenience with Smart AI Integration

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] KT&G has solidified its position as the leader in the domestic heated tobacco device market by launching the new AI-powered heated tobacco device ‘lil AIBLE’ and its dedicated sticks ‘AIM’.

On the morning of the 9th, KT&G held a press conference at The Westin Chosun Seoul in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, announcing the official release of the new product ‘lil AIBLE’ on the 16th. The new product will be available in two models: the basic lil AIBLE and the premium lil AIBLE Premium.

The lil AIBLE device supports three categories of dedicated sticks with a single device. The dedicated sticks ‘AIM’ launched simultaneously come in three lineups: ‘AIM Real,’ ‘AIM Granula,’ and ‘AIM Vapor Stick,’ totaling six products. Additionally, the device can be easily operated with a single button, and it retains convenience features from previous models such as automatic heating, resolving cleaning inconveniences, and allowing three consecutive uses.

The lil AIBLE is equipped with ‘Smart AI’ technology to provide consumers with an optimal usage environment. It includes three functions: ‘Preheating AI,’ ‘Puff AI,’ and ‘Charging AI,’ offering the best experience from preheating to charging. The lil AIBLE Premium maintains the strengths of the basic model but differentiates itself by adding an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touchscreen. Furthermore, it supports convenience features such as message and call notifications, weather, and calendar information through a dedicated application.

The basic model is available in four colors: ‘Ultra Blue,’ ‘Airy White,’ ‘Enamel Red,’ and ‘Tan Grey,’ while the premium model is offered in a single color, ‘Black.’ The prices are 200,000 KRW for the lil AIBLE Premium and 110,000 KRW for the lil AIBLE. After adult verification and membership registration on the official lil website, customers can receive discount codes to purchase the products for 167,000 KRW and 99,000 KRW, respectively. The dedicated AIM sticks are priced at 4,800 KRW per pack.

The new products will be sold starting on the 16th at five dedicated flagship stores called ‘lil Minimalium,’ the dedicated online mall ‘lil Store,’ and 8,500 convenience stores in the Seoul area. At convenience stores, only two lil AIBLE colors, ‘Ultra Blue’ and ‘Airy White,’ will be available. All devices, including the premium model, can be found at lil Minimalium and lil Store.

Im Wangseop, Head of KT&G’s NGP Business Division, stated, “The lil AIBLE supports three types of dedicated sticks with one device and incorporates AI technology to enhance consumer convenience to a new level. Moving forward, we will continue to provide better choices for adult smokers based on technological innovation and scientific capabilities and lead the heated tobacco market.”

With KT&G’s new product launch, competition in the heated tobacco market is expected to intensify toward the end of the year. Earlier, Korea Philip Morris unveiled its new product ‘IQOS Iluma’ last month and is scheduled for official release on the 10th. Philip Morris, which had maintained the top position in the domestic electronic cigarette market for about five years since the launch of IQOS in 2017 but lost the number one market share to KT&G earlier this year, plans to reclaim the top spot in the domestic heated tobacco market with this new product introduced after three years.