Apple Intelligence: Permission for China reportedly granted
Apple is not even allowed to deliver the old version of its AI system in the Middle Kingdom. China's cyberspace authority now relented – Alibaba is helping.
Apple Intelligence icon with gradient: China launch soon?
(Image: Apple)
Since 2024, Apple Intelligence has been available, but Chinese users have so far been unable to use the AI system for iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Apple's attempts to implement it in cooperation with Chinese authorities and local AI companies have so far failed. According to a report, this is now about to change: The responsible Cyberspace Administration of China is said to have granted Apple official registration for its local AI offerings. According to Reuters, Apple will, as expected, use services from Alibaba and Baidu internally.
No mention of Siri AI yet
The targeted version of Apple Intelligence is apparently still the old model – or rather, its adaptation for the Chinese market. The significantly more modern Siri AI, which represents a real chatbot with diverse device control options, is not yet mentioned. Features of the “old” Apple Intelligence include simple image generators and tools for creating documents. The AI system is generally considered worse than competitors' products, and Apple also defers to ChatGPT for more advanced questions.
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Alibaba's Qwen model is apparently to be used for the Chinese version of Apple Intelligence. The internet giant confirmed this to Reuters, while Apple initially made no statement. According to Alibaba, the Qwen integrations will be available on iPhone (iOS), iPad (iPadOS), Mac (macOS), and Vision Pro (visionOS). Baidu also confirmed a collaboration, but only mentioned “Apple Intelligence for Chinese iPhone users”.
Adaptation to censorship conditions
The Cyberspace Administration of China has not yet announced a date in its approval documents for when Apple Intelligence will launch in the Middle Kingdom. The authority has insisted from the outset on the use of Chinese AI technology, as it is adapted to local censorship conditions. Apple never attempted to work with US models in the country; instead, it immediately entered into discussions with Baidu, Alibaba, and other companies, including apparently also Deepseek.
Despite the lack of Apple Intelligence in China, Apple initially had great market success with the iPhone. In the second quarter, 24 percent more smartphones were reportedly delivered in the market. Apple's strategy for implementing Siri AI in the Chinese market has not yet become clear. In the West, Apple relies on Gemini technology, but Siri AI on iPhone and iPad will initially not be available in the EU for regulatory reasons.
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