Ever since DeepSeek exploded in popularity, we have not only seen the AI model stirring up competition with Western companies like OpenAI but also from domestic rivals looking to challenge this overnight sensation. We have seen plenty of examples of this AI arms race, with OpenAI making significant improvements to its AI services and Chinese competitors like Alibaba developing newer and better versions of its Qwen 2.5 artificial intelligence model. Alibaba even claims that Qwen 2.5 surpasses not only the highly acclaimed DeepSeek but also nearly every major AI model on the market.

On that note, we now have another exciting update on this AI showdown. DeepSeek, which has only really been in the public eye for about half a month, is already seeing widespread adoption, with “almost all smartphone brands in China” announcing plans to embed DeepSeek into their devices due to its speed and efficiency. In fact, rumors suggest that Samsung China will also adopt DeepSeek for its Galaxy devices in the Chinese market. This move would give DeepSeek a significant edge, especially locally, but the battle isn’t settled yet.

Samsung China could adopt DeepSeek, but what about Apple?

DeepSeek isn’t the only AI model making strides in the local market. Alibaba, which has previously been seen gunning for DeepSeek on multiple occasions, also plans to enter the smartphone AI race. According to rumors, Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5 AI is expected to be integrated into Apple devices in the Chinese market, putting both AI models in direct competition.

You may believe that Apple phones may offer a better opportunity for DeepSeek rather than Qwen. However, this is the Chinese market we’re talking about, where Apple doesn’t hold absolute dominance, and competition from domestic brands like Huawei, remains strong. And that’s just one of many players in the space. According to research firm Counterpoint, the China smartphone share, Apple accounted for 14% of the market share in Q3 2024, while vivo was on top with 19%.

Since DeepSeek is targeting not just Samsung but also a range of other smartphone brands, it's not going to lose out easily. That said, we’re still waiting to see which other manufacturers decide to implement DeepSeek's capabilities, as these are still just rumors with nothing confirmed. Nonetheless, it’s exciting to see DeepSeek not only making waves in the global market but also shaking things up locally.

About the Author

Hassam Nasir

Hassam boasts over seven years of professional experience as a dedicated PC hardware reviewer and writer.