Ant Group Co., backed by Jack Ma, is preparing a major overhaul of its Alipay super app, adding an AI agent interface in a move that sharpens its rivalry with WeChat for user attention.
According to people familiar with the plans and a video demonstration seen by Bloomberg News, the redesign is being tested in Hangzhou and places an artificial intelligence assistant at the centre of how users interact with the platform.
The update would allow users to carry out everyday tasks by typing or speaking directly to the Alipay AI, including booking car rides, ordering coffee and arranging food delivery. The assistant, reportedly named “Ah Bao” in Chinese, is designed to complete these services within the app rather than routing users through separate menus or mini-programmes.
Beyond consumer services, the system is also expected to extend into financial functions. With user authorisation, it could handle tasks such as purchasing mutual funds and other money-management actions.
The plans have not been publicly confirmed by Ant Group, and the individuals cited requested anonymity due to the private nature of the information shared with Bloomberg News.
