The Tipping Point for AI Devices: Sales Poised to Take the Lead
At a recent press briefing in Shanghai, Wang Ruomeng, Deputy Director General of the Department of Innovation and High-Tech Development at China's National Development and Reform Commission, highlighted a significant market shift. He revealed that annual shipments of AI-enabled smart terminals, including AI phones and computers, in the domestic market surpassed 100 million units last year. Crucially, this momentum shows no signs of abating.
A Historic Market Inflection
Wang projected that sales of AI phones and computers are highly likely to exceed those of non-AI devices for the first time within this year. This represents more than a numerical milestone; it signals a fundamental structural shift in the smart terminal market. Consumer purchasing behavior is demonstrating a clear preference for devices with integrated artificial intelligence capabilities.
The Vibrant “AI+” Ecosystem in Action
The popularity of these devices is underpinned by a thriving application ecosystem. Wang noted that monthly visits to native AI office assistants in China have now exceeded 20 million. This figure points to a tangible change in how businesses and individuals approach their work.
From Tool to Collaborative Partner
More telling is the depth of engagement: the daily token calls for these AI applications have reached a scale of hundreds of trillions, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. This indicates that AI is transitioning from an occasional tool to a frequently utilized “digital collaborator” deeply embedded in daily workflows. This level of integration is a direct manifestation of the thriving new products and business models driven by the “AI+” initiative.
A virtuous cycle is now in motion. The devices provide the hardware gateway and computational foundation, while the rich array of applications delivers real value, attracting more users and propelling the entire “AI+” industry into a phase of accelerated growth.