On November 14, 2025, Alibaba unveiled a major rebranding for its artificial intelligence application, with the "Tongyi" App being officially renamed to "QianWen". This transformation is accompanied by a version update, elevating it from 3.60.0 to 5.0.0. The updated app is now accessible for download on the Apple App Store as well as major Android app marketplaces.

Prior to this public launch, Alibaba had quietly embarked on the "QianWen" project. This initiative involved the creation of a personal AI assistant, also named QianWen, leveraging the capabilities of Qwen's most advanced model. This move positions QianWen as a direct competitor to ChatGPT, thrusting it into the forefront of the global AI application arena.

Alibaba's top-tier management views this endeavor as the "pivotal battleground in the AI era". To expedite its development, the company has mobilized hundreds of engineers and allocated a dedicated workspace within its Hangzhou headquarters campus. Additionally, the international iteration of the "QianWen" App, tailored for the global market, is being developed in parallel.