Sources: DeepSeek did not share its upcoming V4 model with US chipmakers, including AMD and Nvidia, but granted early access to Chinese companies like Huawei

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DeepSeek's decision to grant early access to its V4 model to Chinese companies like Huawei while excluding U.S. firms such as Nvidia and AMD is a significant strategic maneuver. This approach directly impacts the competitive landscape, potentially allowing Chinese companies to gain a technological edge sooner. The move underscores a growing trend of AI development and access being influenced by geopolitical considerations, particularly concerning the United States and China.

The market implications are substantial. Nvidia and AMD, dominant players in the AI hardware market, could see their influence potentially challenged if key AI models are developed and optimized on alternative architectures or with preferential access granted elsewhere. This could lead to diversification efforts in the AI hardware supply chain and potentially affect future revenue streams for these U.S. companies.

Technically, the V4 model's capabilities are expected to be highly advanced, and early access allows partner companies to optimize their software and hardware ecosystems around it. By prioritizing Chinese firms, DeepSeek is fostering a domestic AI ecosystem and potentially accelerating China's self-sufficiency in AI technology. The performance and features of the V4 model will be crucial indicators of this strategy's success.

Moving forward, it will be critical to monitor the performance benchmarks of DeepSeek's V4 model once it is more widely released and how it is integrated into products by Huawei and other Chinese companies. Additionally, assessing the response from U.S. chipmakers, including potential shifts in their own R&D priorities or strategic partnerships, will provide further insight into the evolving dynamics of the global AI hardware and software race.