Apple is reportedly partnering with Chinese companies Baidu and Alibaba to deploy its AI service in the country.
Apple Intelligence has been registered with China’s cyberspace regulator, as Apple overcomes a significant hurdle that could finally allow its AI service to roll out in the country. As reported ReutersChina’s version of Apple Intelligence will integrate local Baidu and Alibaba models to comply with the country’s complex regulatory laws relating to AI and privacy. If it has indeed received the green light (Apple has not yet commented on the subject), Apple Intelligence could arrive in China two years after its launch in the United States.
China is one of Apple’s largest and fastest-growing markets, and reports that it was working with Alibaba and Baidu to bring its AI capabilities to the country as early as early 2025. An Alibaba spokesperson said Reuters that its Qwen model will be integrated into the version of Apple Intelligence which will eventually be delivered with compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro models in China.
Baidu’s specific role is less clear, but a company spokesperson confirmed its involvement in developing features for the Chinese version of the AI service. There’s no release date yet, but regulator approval is likely needed for Apple to offer new features like the revised Siri AI, powered by Apple Intelligence, to its Chinese customers.
