Apple Intelligence approved for launch in China with Alibaba and Baidu
Apple has received regulatory approval to launch its Apple Intelligence services in China following partnerships with local tech giants Alibaba and Baidu. This move is expected to bolster Apple's market position in the region by integrating local AI models into its operating systems.
Why it matters
This represents a critical strategic expansion for Apple in its second-largest market, navigating complex regulatory environments to deploy generative AI.
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.
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