Apple Intelligence Approved in China With Alibaba’s Qwen AI Integration
5 verified4 unconfirmed1 contested
Apple’s generative AI service, Apple Intelligence, has received regulatory approval in China from the Cyberspace Administration, according to reports on Wednesday. Alibaba confirmed to CNBC that its Qwen AI model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS for users in the country. The approval ends a lengthy wait for Chinese consumers, as Apple Intelligence was first announced in 2024 but faced delays due to regulatory requirements. Apple’s sales in Greater China saw a significant increase in the second quarter, with one source reporting a 28% rise to $20.5 billion and another reporting shipment growth of 24.4%. Alibaba’s U.S.-listed shares rose about 4% in pre-market trading following the news. The deal marks an important step for Apple’s AI ambitions in a key market amid intensifying technology competition between the United States and China.
What’s verified
China’s Cyberspace Administration approved Apple’s AI services in the country.
Alibaba confirmed that its Qwen AI model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
The approval resolves a regulatory requirement that had prevented Apple Intelligence from launching in China since its 2024 debut.
Apple’s second-quarter China sales increased 28% to $20.5 billion (one source) and shipments rose 24.4% (another source). Both figures indicate growth.
Alibaba’s U.S.-listed shares rose approximately 4% in pre-market trading on the news.
Where accounts differ
The sources differ on Apple’s current relationship with Baidu. One source states that Apple explored a deal with Baidu but faced issues adapting its models for Chinese customers, while the other source reports that, according to a Baidu spokesperson, Apple is continuing to work with Baidu to develop Apple Intelligence features for Chinese iPhone users. No other conflicting reports identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
One source reports that Apple also explored integrations with DeepSeek and ByteDance before finalizing the Alibaba deal.
One source mentions that Apple unveiled a rebuilt version of Siri powered by Google Gemini, which will not be available in China; the regulatory clearance resolved that condition.
One source reports that Alibaba recently prohibited its staff from using Anthropic’s tools and that U.S. lawmakers are weighing legislation to restrict reliance on Chinese AI technology.
No specific launch date for Apple Intelligence in China was provided by the regulator or Alibaba.
Key figures
Apple
Alibaba (Qwen AI model)
Cyberspace Administration of China
Baidu
Google (Gemini)
Sources: TechCrunch, qz.com
