苹果最担心的事，还是发生了

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing importance of hardware in the AI industry, emphasizing that companies must develop their own AI hardware to become true AI giants. OpenAI's recent moves to build a hardware team and potentially create an AI version of the iPhone are highlighted as part of this trend [4][8][47]. Group 1: OpenAI's Hardware Strategy - OpenAI is aggressively recruiting hardware engineers from Apple, indicating a significant shift towards developing its own AI hardware ecosystem [6][10]. - The acquisition of io Products for $6.5 billion and the involvement of Jony Ive suggest OpenAI's ambition to create high-quality AI hardware, potentially an "AI iPhone" [4][10]. - OpenAI's strategy appears to be a response to competitors like Google, which already has a robust hardware ecosystem, including the Pixel series and smart home devices [8][10]. Group 2: Chinese AI Companies' Hardware Initiatives - Chinese AI companies like ByteDance, Alibaba, and Baidu are advancing rapidly in integrating AI into hardware, with products like the AI Phone and AI assistants [17][25]. - ByteDance's AI Phone, developed in collaboration with ZTE, showcases the potential of AI to enhance user experience through cross-application capabilities [18][21]. - Alibaba's Qianwen aims to create a comprehensive AI operating layer across devices, while Baidu focuses on building a home AI ecosystem with its smart devices [25][29][31]. Group 3: Global Competitors in AI Hardware - Major global players like Google, Microsoft, and Meta are also investing in AI hardware, viewing it as essential for future growth [32][33]. - Google is leveraging its Android ecosystem and Pixel devices to create a unified AI experience, while Microsoft is integrating AI into its Windows operating system and Surface devices [35][39]. - Meta is betting on AI glasses as the next major human-computer interaction interface, emphasizing low interference and high usability [44][46]. Group 4: The Future of AI Hardware - The article concludes that hardware is no longer optional for AI companies; it is a necessary battlefield for achieving widespread adoption and transforming user habits [48]. - The evolution of AI from cloud-based solutions to tangible hardware products is seen as crucial for the industry's future [48].