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Apple needs AI to succeed in China where models like DeepSeek R1 and companies like Alibaba will have a big role to play in the near future.
Tim Cook is visiting China this week looking to get Apple’s AI moving
DeepSeek AI from China has shown up other expensive AI models and even became an overnight hit with iPhone users in the US. Now, during his visit to China, Apple CEO Tim Cook, looking to build the AI ecosystem in the region, was asked about his views on the popular AI model built in the country.
Cook is most likely visiting the country to get Apple’s AI ambitions to get a kickstart in the region, which needs a local AI source to make the features run on iPhones. China is one of the biggest markets for Apple and AI is growing at a brisk pace in the country, so the need for the Apple chief to head over to get the talks moving is obvious.
DeepSeek AI Is…What Tim Cook Said
Cook was speaking to the state media, where he was asked about his views on DeepSeek to which he said “excellent.” That’s not all, the Apple chief reportedly said that he recommends AI models of Chinese startups like DeepSeek.
All these statements were made before a developer conference in Shanghai, and Apple is clearly trying to please the local regime to get the nod for its own AI ecosystem. Cook is usually diplomatic with questions like these, where he has a lot at stake and the one word response seems part of his usual profile.
DeepSeek has brought its share of concerns, especially with its obvious links to China and policies where the data is being sent over to the local servers. That’s not all, its popularity has made it the favourite tool for hackers which raises further alarm for the users.
The Chinese government has reportedly asked Apple to work with a local company to launch its AI features in the country and it was not an optional decision to take. Apple already has a lot on its plate with the delayed AI Siri now pushed to 2026 while internally the company is making wholesale changes to get AI off the ground. Cook hopes China could play a big role in its success.
