Multiple Companies Unveil AI-Native In-Vehicle Operating Systems, Ushering in the Era of "AI-Defined Vehicles"

Recently, multiple Chinese automotive software and technology companies have unveiled AI-native operating systems (AI OS) and related intelligent agent products, marking the industry's entry into a new phase defined by "AI-defined vehicles." Previously, AI primarily served as an add-on feature within in-vehicle operating systems; now, large models are becoming the core intelligence driving vehicles' evolution into smart mobility terminals. ThunderSoft launched DropWater AI OS 2.1, focusing on intelligent cockpit upgrades. Neusoft Reach introduced NeuSAR OS, a vehicle-level AI digital foundation enabling automakers to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Horizon Robotics simultaneously released its "Stellar" chip and KaKaClaw OS. iFLYTEK unveiled its Spark Intelligent Cockpit OS. StepFun and other companies jointly developed Eva, a vehicle-level super intelligent agent. Desay SV also launched an AI-native cockpit operating system. The industry is currently shifting from "software-defined vehicles" to "AI-defined vehicles," a transformation driven by breakthroughs in technological bottlenecks, evolving market demands, and intensifying industrial competition. AI OS platforms possess the capability to integrate the entire vehicle value chain, helping address technology fragmentation, deliver differentiated user experiences, and enable proactive service capabilities. Leading industry players commonly adopt a layered architecture covering the full stack—from底层 hardware to upper-layer applications. Although domestic vendors now have the capacity to build autonomous and controllable in-vehicle OS architectures, they still face challenges in technological accumulation, talent reserves, and ecosystem development. Meanwhile, China’s vast market potential and supportive industrial environment provide strong backing for upgrading the automotive software industry, offering local enterprises an opportunity to break international monopolies and drive high-quality global expansion of China’s automotive sector.