PALO ALTO, CaliforniaMicrosoft is evaluating the possibility of releasing some of its internally developed artificial intelligence models with open weights. This move comes as Chinese AI models gain traction among users in the United States, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman told Nikkei Asia on July 30, 2026.

Suleyman, who leads the development of Microsoft's in-house MAI family of AI models, indicated that the company is weighing this approach as a trusted alternative to other AI providers such as DeepSeek. The consideration reflects Microsoft's response to the increasing influence of Chinese AI technologies in the U.S. market.

This development highlights a strategic shift in how major AI companies might share their technology to maintain competitiveness and trust amid evolving global AI dynamics.

Sources