Apple's own AI model for China with Alibaba's help
As with Google Gemini, Apple trains its own models in China using external tech – likely Qwen.
Apple Intelligence: Special offer for China.
(Image: Apple)
Apple’s attempts to bring its own AI system to the Chinese market continue: After an official approval from the Cyberspace Administration in Beijing, it could happen in the foreseeable future. According to a new report, the technical implementation is also underway. Apple plans to implement its AI system in the Middle Kingdom similarly to how it is done in the Western world – just with a different partner. In connection with Siri AI, Apple relied on purchasing AI technology from Google and trained its own models using Gemini technology. This enables the company to achieve significantly better results and leads to a truly competitive Siri chatbot.
Own model, trained with technology from China
In China, Apple is neither allowed to build its own AI system nor use help from US companies. Instead, the company is forced to choose a Chinese partner. But even in this case, Apple wants to keep the reins in its hands. According to Reuters, Apple has trained its own large language model for China and used Alibaba procedures for it.
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This means Apple does not have to use models like Qwen, Ernie, or DeepSeek, but receives its own offering. However, it will also be possible to use alternative models, for example for the writing tools or Siri responses. It had already leaked that one of Alibaba's partners would be Qwen.
More control, less data to competitors
With this approach, Apple retains more control over what the models ultimately output. Furthermore, if the company introduces new Siri AI functions with iPhone context relevance – which is expected – it can coordinate with its own model and thus does not have to hand over sensitive data to Alibaba & Co.
According to Reuters, Apple plans to release its AI tools in China as an iOS update in the coming months. The extent of the functionality at the beginning is still unclear. Apple must also involve the Cyberspace Administration in its approach and simultaneously navigate its data protection image. iCloud in China is hosted by semi-state providers, which is highly controversial in the West. Baidu is said to be among the other AI suppliers in the country.
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