Apple Intelligence Lands in China with Alibaba AI

Apple Intelligence is reportedly preparing for its debut in China, utilizing Alibaba's AI models for its features. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has officially approved the Qwen group of large language models (LLMs) and an associated AI image and video generation tool for use.

While Apple had previously received clearance for its mainland China operations, the official rollout is pending. The approval comes as new iPhone models, featuring enhanced AI capabilities and Siri, are slated for release in the country next week.

This development marks a significant step, bringing Apple's core AI features to one of its key markets. The company has navigated China's complex AI and privacy regulations, with initial reports of seeking local AI partnerships emerging as early as 2025.

The integration of Qwen is expected to power Apple Intelligence across compatible devices sold to Chinese customers, aligning with the company's strategy for global feature parity while respecting local laws. This follows a similar timeline to its US launch approximately two years ago, where Apple collaborated with major AI firms for model training.