iPhone sales have been struggling in China, where Apple has been unable to launch Apple Intelligence features yet. But per a new The Information report, the company has just partnered with a major Chinese player to bring AI features to China.
Apple partnering with Alibaba to develop Apple Intelligence features for China
Qianer Liu and Jing Yang have published a new report for The Information (paywalled) that outlines Apple’s solution to bringing Apple Intelligence to China.
The US tech giant has partnered with a China-based giant, Alibaba, to bring Apple Intelligence features to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac in China.
Apple has recently started working with Chinese internet and e-commerce giant Alibaba Group to roll out artificial intelligence features in China, according to one person with direct knowledge of the decision. The move is part of Apple’s strategy to offer more compelling software features to counter declining sales in the country, where it faces increasing competition from domestic brands like Huawei and Vivo.
Apple and Alibaba have submitted the Chinese AI features they co-developed for approval by China’s cyberspace regulator, the person added, indicating that the partnership has gained significant progress.
Due to restrictions from the Chinese government, Apple can’t launch AI features in the country unless it is done in partnership with a China-based company. This has led to the current Apple Intelligence rollout delay despite Apple knowing AI features are a key driver of smartphone sales in the Chinese market.
Apple has already said that Apple Intelligence support for Chinese would arrive in iOS 18.4 this April—an important stepping stone in bringing full AI support to the country.
Despite that addition, Apple has never shared concrete plans for enabling AI in China.
DeepSeek tested by Apple as multiple Chinese partnerships may be struck
Interestingly, today’s report also mentions that Apple tested DeepSeek’s models as part of its efforts to bring AI to China. The company reportedly decided to pass on implementing them in its China AI rollout—at least for now.
The Information also previously reported that Apple was also working with Baidu to develop AI features in China.
Apple Intelligence is a large umbrella that encompasses a variety of AI features, such as writing tools, image generation, and intelligent assistant support. It’s possible the company has opted to work with various Chinese partners for different aspects of its AI feature set. However, today’s report indicates there were issues working with Baidu, so they may not be involved at all anymore.
Today’s report is further evidence of Apple’s momentum in bringing Apple Intelligence to one of its most important markets. Here’s hoping the company can work quickly to enable AI support as it seeks to turn around its weakening iPhone marketshare in China.
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