WeChat Launches AI Assistant Xiao Wei With Messaging and Payment Features
On June 20, WeChat officially launched its built-in AI native assistant “Xiao Wei” for small-scale user testing. Users who receive access to the feature can update WeChat to the latest version 8.0.75 and find the Xiao Wei entry point at the top-left corner of the main interface. The AI assistant can also be accessed by swiping right from the main screen, providing users with an intuitive way to enter the chat interface. Both text input and voice commands are supported for all operations.
Xiao Wei supports several practical functions including everyday chat, document reading, reminder settings, message sending, money transfers, food delivery orders, and even Moments management. Users can issue commands such as “send a birthday greeting to mom,” “transfer money to XXX,” “organize noteworthy content from my Moments in the last two days,” or “remind me to drink water in five minutes.” The assistant processes these requests and responds quickly without requiring complex navigation.
By embedding Xiao Wei directly into the WeChat interface, the feature aims to streamline how users interact with the app’s most commonly used tools. The assistant’s ability to handle both simple chit-chat and actionable tasks like payments and food ordering suggests a broader push toward AI-powered convenience within everyday messaging platforms. WeChat’s massive user base in China makes this integration a significant move in the evolution of AI assistants on mobile platforms.
With Xiao Wei, WeChat is entering the increasingly competitive AI assistant space by leveraging its existing ecosystem of messaging, payments, and social features. While the testing phase is currently limited to a small group of users, the feature’s functionality appears comprehensive and well-integrated. It will be interesting to see how the assistant evolves once it rolls out to a wider audience and how users adapt to managing tasks through an AI interface within their primary messaging app. This is certainly a development worth watching for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and everyday mobile tools.
