Apple Intelligence enters China via Alibaba, ditching US models
apple received chinese regulatory approval for apple intelligence by integrating alibaba's qwen model, replacing us-based ai services. this marks the first major localization of apple intelligence to comply with strict local data and sovereignty requirements.
apple secured chinese regulatory approval for its generative ai suite, apple intelligence, by integrating alibaba's qwen models to power text and image features across its operating systems. previously, apple explored partnerships with baidu and bytedance but faced technical hurdles, leading to the alibaba selection to ensure compliance with the cyberspace administration of china. the deal allows apple to roll out ai features to its recovered no. 2 smartphone market base, which generated $20.5b in q2 revenue, while bypassing restrictions on foreign ai models. this move highlights the necessity for global ai labs to partner with local chinese tech giants to operate in the region, setting a precedent for other western ai firms.