Apple Intelligence cleared for China launch with Alibaba AI models

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 21:45 · Archive

Apple has received regulatory approval to launch Apple Intelligence in China using Alibaba's AI models.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved Apple's use of Alibaba's Qwen language model and Tongyi Wanxiang image and video tool to power Apple Intelligence. Network access permits have been issued for the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, as well as earlier models. According to Bloomberg, Apple Intelligence will arrive in China through iOS 27.3 in December, nearly two years after the system first launched in the United States.

The rollout will be significantly restricted compared to the global version. Photo editing and basic Apple Intelligence features will be available, but Siri AI integration, Image Playground, the newer version of Genmoji and text generation tools will not be included. China's restrictive regulations on foreign AI technology necessitated Apple's partnership with local providers Alibaba and Baidu. The Chinese government will also retain the authority to approve any ongoing updates to the AI models used in the country.

Apple initially received clearance to launch Apple Intelligence in China in July but required additional approval for a consumer release. Chinese competitors like Huawei have long offered AI features on their devices, putting Apple at a disadvantage in a key market.

How it is being reported

• Apple Intelligence Coming to China in December With iOS 27.3Apple plans to bring Apple Intelligence to China in iOS 27.3 after two years of regulatory delays, reports Bloomberg . The launch will include basic Apple Intelligence features for things like photo editing, but Siri AI won't be available. Image Playground and the newer version of Genmoji will be missing, plus text generation tools will be limited. The South China Morning Post today reported that China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently gave Apple network access permits to add Alibaba's Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang models to the iPhone Duo , iPhone 18 Pro , and earlier…MacRumors · 14 Oct, 21:24
• Alibaba AI models cleared for use in Apple Intelligence in China just in time for the iPhone Duo launchApple's integrated AI system is still yet to be rolled out in mainland China, despite launching nearly two years ago.Engadget · 14 Oct, 16:36

In this story: Apple · Alibaba · China · Ministry of Industry and Information Technology · Qwen · Baidu

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