China's Smart Speaker Market Hits 10M Sales, AI Adoption Lags
China's Smart Speaker Market Shows Strong Growth with AI Gaps
According to RUNTO Technology's latest report, China's smart speaker market reached 10.54 million units sold in the first three quarters of 2025, with annual projections hitting 14.2 million units. However, a critical finding reveals only 33% of devices currently utilize advanced AI large models, leaving the majority limited to basic voice commands.
High-End Models Drive Market Differentiation
Xiaomi's "Super Xiaoai" has emerged as a market leader, demonstrating the potential of AI-integrated speakers. Capable of complex semantic understanding and multi-turn conversations, it executes nuanced commands like adjusting smart home lighting to specific percentages. Research indicates such advanced features are becoming key differentiators, particularly among:
- Young families
- Tech early adopters
- Smart home enthusiasts
The Intelligence Gap Challenge
Despite strong sales figures, industry analysts identify a significant "intelligence gap":
- 67% of devices rely on cloud-based keyword matching
- Limited local reasoning capabilities
- Minimal scenario adaptation
The current generation often fails to deliver truly "smart" experiences beyond basic task execution.
Future Directions: From Functionality to Emotional Intelligence
The next phase of development focuses on:
- Scenario-specific applications: Elderly care companions, children's educational tools
- Emotional recognition: Mood detection and response systems
- Emergency response features: Safety-oriented functionalities
Market analysts predict a potential inflection point in 2026 as:
- Large models become more lightweight
- Edge computing capabilities improve
- Multimodal interaction matures
Key Points
- China's smart speaker sales reached 10.54M units (Q1-Q3 2025)
- Only 33% penetration rate for AI large model integration
- Xiaomi's "Super Xiaoai" demonstrates high-end market potential
- Future growth depends on emotional intelligence and scenario adaptation
- Industry expects major advancements by 2026
