Apple CEO Tim Cook stated, "I'm not too concerned about computers thinking like humans; I'm more worried that people will think like computers, without values or compassion. But I believe if Apple and others driving AI development can always put users at the core, artificial intelligence will be able to accomplish amazing things."
Cook has been visiting China since the 13th. According to a report from The Paper, on the 18th at the "Global Wealth Management Forum · 2025 Shanghai Suhewan Conference," Cook engaged in a dialogue with Bai Chong'en, Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University, discussing topics such as artificial intelligence and technological change. Speaking about China's AI ecosystem, Cook said, "The creativity of young people in China is rising significantly—it's impressive. I have been to places all around the world, and the level of creativity here is second to none."
Cook pointed out that, from graphical user interfaces and personal computers to the Internet and cloud technologies, China has adopted these technologies much faster than other countries to a large extent. The innovations driven by artificial intelligence may be even more significant than all of these; a few years from now, looking back, AI will definitely be seen as extremely important.
Currently, Apple deploys AI across various aspects, including programming and development, factory manufacturing, sales training, and so on. "There's almost no field within the company untouched by artificial intelligence. Because if there is, I would definitely ask them why they aren't using AI."
In Cook's view, there are unlimited scenarios for AI applications, with imagination being the only limit. A company that doesn't adopt artificial intelligence will lose its competitive edge, miss out on revenue growth opportunities, and lose everything it seeks in business.
Drawing from his own experiences communicating with businesses in China, Cook also noted the astonishing speed at which Chinese consumers are embracing artificial intelligence, as well as the surprising ways Chinese developers and artists are innovatively applying AI. The implementation of AI in China is not only happening fast, but also extends beyond the tech industry, with all industries paying close attention to and actively using it.
Cook stated that AI is not just applied in a single field. It's more than just chatbots; it is integrated into everything we do. Throughout the discussion, the impact of AI on health and education became an important topic.