The Apple CEO’s Surprising Endorsement of DeepSeek’s Ai: What You Need to Know

Apple CEO Tim Cook has openly praised Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek for its cutting-edge artificial intelligence models, highlighting their impressive efficiency and performance. As Apple gears up to introduce Apple Intelligence in China—pending regulatory approval—Cook’s comments signal the company’s deepening focus on AI and the Chinese market, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.

DeepSeek’s AI Gains Global Recognition

Speaking at the China Development Forum in Beijing, Cook described DeepSeek’s AI models as “excellent,” though he stopped short of confirming a potential partnership. Apple’s interest in AI-powered efficiency isn’t new—back in January, Cook emphasized that “innovation that drives efficiency is a good thing” when discussing AI firms like DeepSeek.

DeepSeek has rapidly emerged as a serious competitor to U.S.-based AI firms like OpenAI, achieving comparable performance with significantly lower costs and computing power. The company’s R1 model, for example, was developed in just two months on a budget of only $5.6 million—a fraction of what many U.S. tech giants spend on similar projects.

Apple’s Expanding AI Strategy in China

Apple is actively seeking AI partnerships in China to power Apple Intelligence. In February, reports surfaced that Apple had reached an agreement with Alibaba Group to integrate Alibaba’s Qwen models for Chinese users. Additionally, Apple is believed to be in discussions with Baidu to bring its AI technology into the fold, further strengthening its local AI ecosystem.

Apple’s Renewed Commitment to China Amid Market Challenges

Beyond AI, Cook also announced that Apple will expand its cooperation with the China Development Research Foundation and continue investing in clean energy projects in China. His visit included posts on Weibo, China’s leading social media platform, where he showcased Apple products in classrooms and creative environments.

Cook’s engagement in China comes at a critical time. Apple’s iPhone sales in China have taken a hit, with shipments reportedly dropping 25% year-over-year in Q4 2024. Overall, Apple’s annual shipments in China fell 17%, bringing its total to 42.9 million units—a significant setback as competition from domestic brands like Huawei and Vivo intensifies.

As Apple pushes forward with its AI ambitions and strengthens its position in China, all eyes will be on the company’s next moves—especially whether a DeepSeek partnership is on the horizon.