Apple Intelligence has reportedly been registered for use in China, bringing Apple closer to offering its generative AI service to local iPhone users. The development is significant because generative AI services must be registered with Chinese regulators before they can be made available to the public.
The registration does not yet confirm a launch date for Apple Intelligence in China. Chinese regulators have not announced when the service will officially become available in the market.
Local AI models expected to support the service
Apple Intelligence in China is expected to use AI model capabilities from Baidu and Alibaba, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Reuters. The reported arrangement would give Apple a route to bring its AI features to a market with specific regulatory requirements.
Alibaba said its Qwen AI model will be integrated with Apple Intelligence across several Apple operating systems in China. The integration is expected to cover iPhone through iOS, iPad through iPadOS, Mac through macOS, and Vision Pro through visionOS.
| Company | Reported role | Related devices or systems |
|---|---|---|
| Baidu | Provides AI model capabilities for Apple Intelligence | iPhone in China |
| Alibaba | Integrates its Qwen AI model with Apple Intelligence | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS |
A Baidu spokesperson also said the company is working with Apple to develop various Apple Intelligence features for iPhone users in China. The statement indicates that Apple’s local AI offering could rely on technology developed by Chinese companies.
The available information does not specify which Apple Intelligence functions will reach users in China first. It also remains unclear whether every feature offered in other markets will be included at launch.
A potentially important move for Apple in China
China remains an important market for iPhone sales, and the arrival of Apple Intelligence could strengthen Apple’s position among consumers seeking built-in AI services. Local iPhone users have been waiting for Apple’s AI capabilities to reach their devices.
The reported progress comes as Apple has recorded stronger product shipments in the country. The company reported that its shipments in China rose 24.4% year on year in the second quarter.
Using local AI partners may help Apple align its generative AI offering with China’s regulatory framework. Registration is a key step, but it is separate from an official public rollout.
China’s broader AI smartphone push
Apple’s progress comes as Chinese smartphone companies continue to pursue AI-focused devices. China’s cyberspace regulator has also registered the Nubia-Doubao smartphone developed by ZTE.
Nubia is ZTE’s smartphone brand, and ZTE is working with ByteDance to produce a smartphone focused on AI technology. The development illustrates the growing competition around AI capabilities in China’s mobile device market.
For Apple, the next major milestone will be an official announcement on availability in China. Until then, the registration and reported Baidu-Alibaba cooperation point to a more localized path for Apple Intelligence in the country.
