According to reports, Ant Group is secretly testing an "AI version of Alipay," marking a major strategic restructuring as this national-level app moves toward the era of AI Agents (intelligent agents). According to insiders, the project's internal code name is "Project Bao." The biggest change in the new version is a complete transformation of the traditional payment tool's interaction method, fully transitioning to an AI-centric native interface.
Key highlights include:
- Introduction of the AI assistant "Abao": The new version fully shifts to a "conversation-first" logic. Users no longer need to search through complicated menus for functions; they can simply issue commands through text or voice to the AI assistant "Abao" to directly activate services like ordering food delivery or hailing a ride.
- Redesign of the bottom interface: The core bottom area is now occupied by two modules, "Assets" and "Abao." High-frequency functions such as scanning codes and payments are retained; the Assets section has been upgraded into a card-style format, intuitively displaying liquid assets, investments, and credit status.
- Two versions with optional switching: To ensure a smooth transition for user habits, the original interface will be opened by default after the new version is launched. Users can choose whether to set the AI version as their homepage based on personal preferences.
Currently, this version is in a very limited gray-scale testing phase. Users need to activate it using a specific internal test invitation code. Users who successfully activate will receive three additional invitation codes. Some users have reported that entering "AI version of Alipay" in the Alipay search bar may also lead to the application entry.
Amidst the rapid AI agent development by super apps such as WeChat and Douyin, this restructuring aims to maintain Alipay's core access points for financial accounts and daily life services.
