Alibaba (BABA) Stock: Company Plans Major AI App Overhaul to Compete with ChatGPT

TLDR

• Alibaba is renaming its “Tongyi” AI app to “Qwen” on iOS and Android in the coming months to better compete with ChatGPT.
• The company will add agent-AI features to help users shop on Taobao and other e-commerce platforms, with updates rolling out gradually.
• Over 100 developers have been assigned to the app overhaul, which aims to eventually create a fully functioning AI agent.
• The Qwen app will remain free initially as Alibaba focuses on building a user base before monetizing consumer AI services.
• Alibaba currently trails ByteDance’s Doubao and Tencent’s Yuanbao in user popularity but hopes its e-commerce strength will attract more users.

Alibaba is preparing a major update to its main mobile AI app. The changes will roll out in the coming months.

The company plans to rename its current “Tongyi” app to “Qwen.” This matches the name of Alibaba’s well-known AI model.

Alibaba Group Holding Limited, BABA

The goal is to make the app function more like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Alibaba wants to offer better tools for everyday users.

More than 100 developers from across the company have been working on this project. They’ve been focused on the makeover for several months now.

This effort is part of the AI investments that CEO Eddie Wu mentioned back in September. The company is serious about catching up to rivals in the AI space.

The updated app will add new agent-AI features. These tools will help users shop on Taobao and other Alibaba e-commerce platforms.

The shopping features will be added gradually over time. Alibaba hopes to eventually turn Qwen into a fully functioning AI agent.

Building a User Base First

The Qwen app will stay free for now. Alibaba wants to build a large user base before trying to make money from it.

This approach makes sense in China. Most Chinese consumers are less willing to pay for online services compared to business customers.

Right now, Alibaba lags behind competitors in user numbers. ByteDance’s Doubao and Tencent’s Yuanbao both have more users.

By adding shopping features, Alibaba is playing to its strengths. The company has a strong e-commerce ecosystem that could help attract users.

Alibaba already runs several AI apps, including “Qwen Chat” on iOS and Android. The plan is to streamline everything under the Qwen brand.

The company wants Qwen to become the go-to app for consumers. A unified look and feel should make it easier for people to use.

E-Commerce Integration as Key Strategy

Building a large user base will help Alibaba charge for services later. Beyond revenue, a one-stop mobile app could boost its brand recognition.

China’s biggest tech companies are pouring money into AI. From Huawei to Tencent, everyone is investing heavily in the technology.

American companies like OpenAI and Meta are doing the same thing. The race to develop AI has become a major focus across the tech industry.

Alibaba has tried consumer AI tools before. Earlier this year, it updated its Quark search app to work as an AI assistant.

The Quark app will remain available for users. But Alibaba expects Qwen to become its main consumer AI offering going forward.

In its most recent quarter, Alibaba reported triple-digit growth in AI-related products. The cloud division also posted better-than-expected sales.

Cloud became the company’s fastest-growing unit. These results helped lift investor sentiment around the stock.

Alibaba’s shares gained more than 3% in Hong Kong following news of the Qwen app plans. The company is set to report Q2 FY26 results soon, where it may share more details on user growth and AI strategy.

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