Apple Intelligence approved for launch in China with Alibaba and Baidu
Quick Answer
Apple Intelligence, the company's generative AI, has been approved for launch in China, integrating Alibaba's Qwen AI model into its operating systems.
Quick Take
Apple Intelligence, the company's generative AI, has been approved for launch in China, integrating Alibaba's Qwen AI model into its operating systems. Baidu is also collaborating with Apple to enhance features for Chinese users, marking a significant step in Apple's AI strategy in a key market where it recently regained its No. 2 smartphone position.
Key Points
- Apple's AI services approved by China's Cyberspace Administration.
- Integration with Alibaba's Qwen AI model for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
- Baidu confirms collaboration with Apple for localized AI features.
- Apple generated $20.5 billion in sales in Greater China, up 28% year-over-year.
- Previous delays in Apple Intelligence due to regulatory approvals in China.
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Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s generative AI offering, is coming to China.
On Wednesday, Reuters reported that China’s internet content regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China, approved Apple’s AI services in the country on the back of a deal to integrate Alibaba’s Qwen AI model into Apple’s operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
On Wednesday evening, a Baidu spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that it is also working with Apple on developing Apple Intelligence features for Chinese users.
The Alibaba deal, which was rumored to be in the works last year, marks an important step for Apple’s AI ambitions in a key market. In the second quarter, Apple generated $20.5 billion in sales in Greater China, up 28% from a year earlier. Apple also recently regained its No. 2 position in China’s smartphone market after a recent shopping festival offered discounts on the iPhone lineup.
The Baidu partnership was also rumored, but reports at the time claimed Apple was facing issues adapting its models for Chinese customers. Apple is also said to be exploring integrations with DeepSeek and ByteDance.
A lack of approval by Chinese regulators has led to Apple Intelligence features, which debuted in 2024, being delayed in the Chinese market.
Alibaba earlier confirmed the company’s news to CNBC in a statement, saying that its Qwen models would be “integrated into Apple Intelligence experiences,” though it did not provide a timeframe. It also said the integrations would involve AI capabilities like “text and image understanding and generation.”
This article was updated Thursday, July 16, to add the statement by Baidu.
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