Key facts
- Apple trained its AI model for China with support from Alibaba.
- The partnership aims to bring Apple Intelligence to Chinese iPhones.
- Apple's generative AI service was registered by China's Cyberspace Administration.
- Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai confirmed the companies' arrangement in February 2025.
- Apple plans to integrate Alibaba's Qwen and Baidu's technology.
Apple has collaborated with Alibaba to develop a large language model specifically for the Chinese market, a move that could position Apple as the first foreign company permitted to operate its own proprietary AI model within China. This partnership is a critical step in Apple's strategy to introduce its 'Apple Intelligence' features to Chinese customers.
According to Reuters, citing three individuals familiar with the matter, China's Cyberspace Administration recently registered Apple's generative AI service, overcoming a significant regulatory hurdle that has prevented services like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude from being available in the country. Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai confirmed the arrangement in February 2025, stating that Apple had considered several companies before choosing to partner with Alibaba.
Reports suggest that Apple intends to combine its model with technology from Alibaba's Qwen and Baidu. The exact roles of these systems remain unclear, but Apple Intelligence is anticipated to reach Chinese iPhones through an upcoming iOS update. This development follows a challenging period for Apple's AI initiatives, including delays in its next-generation Foundation Models, which were initially planned to use Google's Gemini instead of a proprietary design. The company also settled a $250 million lawsuit concerning allegations of misleading consumers about AI features at launch.
Apple's delay in deploying advanced AI features has allowed Chinese competitors, such as Huawei, to gain a lead by already offering phones with AI capabilities. In June, Apple unveiled Siri AI, an enhanced virtual assistant capable of conversational interactions and image analysis, with a beta version expected later this year. However, Siri AI will not be available in China at its initial launch as Apple addresses the country's specific regulatory requirements.