Tim Cook Commends DeepSeek’s AI Ahead of Shanghai Conference
Tim Cook praised DeepSeek’s AI models at the China Development Forum, highlighting their potential ahead of Apple’s developer conference in Shanghai. This visit addresses Apple’s declining sales in China due to competition and tariffs. Apple plans to launch Apple Intelligence in simplified Chinese along with the new iOS version in April.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently praised the AI models developed by Chinese start-up DeepSeek during the China Development Forum held in Beijing. This commendation occurred just prior to an anticipated developer conference in Shanghai, at which Apple plans to discuss the upcoming launch of Apple Intelligence for iPhones in the region. Cook described DeepSeek’s models as “excellent” but did not provide further details on their functionalities.
The China Development Forum was particularly significant as it marked Cook’s first visit to the country in 2023. He shared insights from his trip via Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging service, where he posted about his experiences in Beijing alongside a local influencer. This event sets the stage for Apple’s upcoming conference in Shanghai, scheduled for Tuesday, where they will likely provide more information on Apple Intelligence tailored for local developers.
Cook’s visit comes as Apple grapples with a downturn in sales within China, compounded by heightened tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration. The company’s smartphone shipments in China plummeted by 25 percent during the last quarter, largely due to competitive pressure from domestic brands like Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Despite this, the recent release of the iPhone 16 series has allowed Apple to regain its leading position temporarily for the end of the year.
In total, Apple’s shipments in China fell by 17 percent for the year, resulting in 42.9 million units sold, lagging behind competitors Vivo and Huawei. Cook has made multiple visits to China in the previous year, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to fostering relationships in the world’s largest smartphone market, especially in light of declining consumer demand. During his last visit, he attended a supply chain conference where he highlighted the integral role of Chinese partners in Apple’s operations.
Apple is set to roll out Apple Intelligence in several languages, including simplified Chinese, coinciding with the launch of the latest version of iOS in April.
In conclusion, Tim Cook’s commendation of DeepSeek’s AI models underscores Apple’s commitment to technological innovation and collaboration in China. Despite challenges in the Chinese market, the company is poised to introduce Apple Intelligence, aiming to enhance its offering for local developers. Cook’s series of visits reflects a strategic approach to bolster consumer confidence and maintain strong partnerships within the region.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
Post Comment