Apple is one step closer to bringing Apple Intelligence to mainland China.
China’s Cyberspace Administration approved the AI platform for use on iPhones, satisfying a key regulatory requirement for generative AI services before they can be offered to the public, according to Reuters.
The approval ends a lengthy wait for Apple, whose AI platform was unveiled in 2024 but has remained unavailable in China due to local regulations on large language models and generative AI services.
Alibaba and Baidu will power Apple’s AI features
To comply with China’s AI regulations, Apple is relying on local technology partners.
Reuters reported that Apple Intelligence will combine AI capabilities from Alibaba and Baidu. Alibaba confirmed the partnership, saying, “Qwen model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence across Apple’s iPhone (iOS), iPad (iPadOS), Mac (macOS) and Vision Pro (visionOS) operating systems in China.”
Baidu also confirmed its role. A company spokesperson told Reuters that Apple is working with the Chinese search giant to develop Apple Intelligence features for iPhone users in the country.
Separately, CNBC reported that Alibaba said the integration will allow users to access Qwen’s text and image generation features directly in Apple Intelligence, rather than switching between different AI tools.
A boost for Apple’s China business
The approval arrives as Apple tries to strengthen its position in one of its most important markets. Reuters reported that Apple’s shipments in China rose 24.4% year over year during the second quarter. Rolling out Apple Intelligence could help Apple maintain that momentum as domestic smartphone makers continue to promote AI-powered features on their own devices.
The CAC also approved ZTE’s Nubia-Doubao smartphone AI service, highlighting China’s continued push to certify both domestic and international AI offerings before public release.
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More than a software update
The approval carries significance beyond simply bringing another feature to iPhones.
Apple had to redesign its AI strategy for China by partnering with local AI companies rather than offering the same models available in other markets. That reflects China’s strict regulatory framework, which requires foreign technology companies to work within local AI governance rules.
At the same time, the partnership gives Alibaba another high-profile deployment for its Qwen models, reinforcing the growing importance of Chinese AI developers as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the global AI market.
What comes next
While regulatory approval removes one of the biggest obstacles, Apple still has work to do before Chinese users can access Apple Intelligence.
The CAC did not provide a release date, and Apple has not commented publicly on its launch plans. Until Apple announces availability, it remains unclear whether the AI features will arrive alongside a future software update or follow a separate rollout schedule.
For consumers, the approval means Apple Intelligence is now closer than ever to reaching iPhones in mainland China. For Apple, it marks an important step toward making its AI strategy competitive in a market where AI features have become a major selling point for smartphones.
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