Apple Intelligence approved for launch in China with Alibaba’s Qwen AI
Apple has received regulatory approval to launch its 'Apple Intelligence' AI services in China by integrating Alibaba’s Qwen AI model. This move allows Apple to navigate strict local regulations and maintain its competitive position in the critical Chinese smartphone market.
Why it matters
The partnership demonstrates how global tech giants must adapt their AI strategies to comply with regional regulatory frameworks in China.
Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s generative AI offering, is coming to China. On Wednesday, Reuters reported that China’s 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.
The 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 sales in Greater China increased 28% to $20.5 billion. Apple also recently regained the No. 2 position in China’s smartphone market after a recent shopping festival offered discounts on the iPhone lineup.
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