Chinese startup DeepSeek’s AI Assistant has surpassed ChatGPT as the top-rated free application on Apple’s App Store in the United States, sparking a debate about US export controls and China’s growing presence in the field of artificial intelligence.
DeepSeek Surges Past ChatGPT to Top Apple App Store Charts
In a significant milestone, Chinese startup DeepSeek’s AI Assistant has surpassed ChatGPT as the top-rated free application on Apple’s App Store in the United States.
The Rise of DeepSeek
DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence tool from China, has gained immense popularity among US users since its release on January 10. The app is powered by the DeepSeek-V3 model, which its creators claim “tops the leaderboard among open-source models and rivals the most advanced closed-source models globally.”
A Challenge to US AI Dominance
DeepSeek’s success has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of US export controls aimed at restricting China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology critical for AI training. Researchers at DeepSeek have stated that their model was trained using Nvidia‘s H800 chips, which are not covered by the restrictions.
A Breakthrough in the US Market
DeepSeek‘s prominence is notable as it is one of the few Chinese companies to successfully break into the US market with a large-scale AI model. Founded in 2023, Hangzhou-based DeepSeek has been at the forefront of AI innovation in China, and its rise to the top of the App Store charts highlights the growing competition in the field.
The Implications of DeepSeek’s Success
DeepSeek’s success is expected to prompt a response from US industry leaders and the White House, which has taken a more proactive approach to AI under the new administration. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously warned about Chinese control over the future of AI, and the launch of Stargate, a Texas-based initiative aimed at keeping the industry under US control.
The Future of AI
As DeepSeek continues to gain traction in the US market, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of current US policies in curbing China’s AI advancements. The debate highlights the strategic choice facing the world: whether to advance a global AI that spreads its benefits and opens access to it, or to allow authoritarian nations to use AI to cement their power.
A Response from the Industry
DeepSeek’s rise in popularity is expected to prompt a response from US industry leaders, as well as the White House. The future of AI hangs in the balance, and only time will tell how this development will shape the industry.
