After two years, China says 'yes' to allow Apple Intelligence on iPhones in the country
Apple has received regulatory approval to launch its Apple Intelligence AI suite in China. The company will partner with local firms Alibaba and Baidu to comply with strict domestic AI regulations.
Why it matters
This marks a critical expansion for Apple's AI services into the world's largest smartphone market, navigating complex geopolitical and regulatory hurdles.
Apple's on-device artificial intelligence (AI) system has reportedly got its long-awaited approval for release in China. According to a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chinese regulators have granted Apple a long-awaited licence to roll out its artificial intelligence service on iPhones in the country, with Alibaba Group Holding and Baidu serving as technical partners. Apple is integrating Apple Intelligence with Alibaba Group Holding's Qwen AI into iPhones. The approval comes two years after Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in 2024 and marks a key step toward rolling out Apple Intelligence in the world’s biggest smartphone market. Originally announced in 2024, Apple Intelligence has taken a long time to gain clearance in China.
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