The China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) Policy and International Cooperation Institute announced the 'Generative AI Application Development Report (2026)' on September 29 at the '2026 (7th) China Internet Infrastructure Resources Conference' held in Beijing. According to the report, as of the first half of 2026, the number of generative AI users in China exceeded 700 million, and the penetration rate surpassed 50.0%.

Generative AI usage scenarios are becoming increasingly diversified, and the potential of smart consumption, represented by smart devices, is also rapidly materializing. Moreover, 76.0% of users stated that they ask generative AI for answers to questions, while the proportion of users who utilize generative AI for image and video processing is 47.8%, for text processing is 37.6%, and for processing business summaries, meeting minutes, and presentation materials is 32.5%.

Looking at the usage frequency of various generative AI applications, the usage frequency for AI general assistants and AI business efficiency tools, among others, has more than doubled compared to the same period last year.

According to data, 38.7% of internet users have purchased smart hardware devices online in the past six months. Among these, the main drivers for Chinese internet users to utilize smart hardware are wearable devices and 3C digital products. The percentage of internet users who have purchased smart wearable devices was 20.2%, and the percentage of those who have purchased 3C digital products such as smartphones and tablet devices was 18.2%. (Provided by/CGTN Japanese)