Alibaba to Unveil AI Smart Earphones

Alibaba's personal AI assistant, Qianwen (千问), is preparing to launch its first AI smart earphones at the upcoming 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. This unveiling is part of a broader push by Qianwen into hardware devices.

The company had previously announced plans to release multiple AI hardware products in various forms throughout the year, with the AI earphones being a key component. Qianwen has indicated that more product details will be officially disclosed during the WAIC event. This follows Alibaba's previous entry into the wearable AI hardware sector with the "Quark AI Glasses S1," which were launched in November 2025. These smart glasses integrate Qianwen and Quark AI capabilities alongside core Alibaba services like Taobao, Alipay, and Gaode Maps.

Alibaba's strategy involves creating an integrated AI assistant experience that spans multiple devices and platforms. The Qianwen app, launched in January 2026, already offers life assistant functions, such as booking meals and flights, leveraging Alibaba's extensive service ecosystem. This provides a strong foundation for its hardware offerings.

The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) is scheduled to take place from July 17-20 in Shanghai, serving as a major global platform for AI advancements and industry discussions.