Apple's artificial intelligence system has finally passed the scrutiny of Chinese regulators. According to Reuters, China's Cyberspace Administration has registered Apple's on-device generative AI service, placing it on a list of newly approved providers that also includes systems developed by domestic phone manufacturers. This green light marks a crucial step for the arrival of Apple Intelligence features in the world's largest market.
Baidu and Alibaba models to power Apple's AI in China
Unnamed sources revealed that Apple Intelligence features in China will rely on models from Baidu and Alibaba. As early as February 2025, it was reported that Alibaba would build the primary system, while Baidu would contribute on a smaller scale. Alibaba has directly confirmed its role, telling Reuters that its Qwen model will power Apple Intelligence functions across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS for Chinese users, including text and image generation. No official launch date has been given, but approval typically precedes rollout by a few months, placing the China debut in line with Apple's usual fall software release cycle.
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Early testing in March and user feedback
In a twist, Apple briefly activated AI features for some Chinese users last March, months before final approval. Additionally, a feedback form aimed at Chinese users appeared on Apple's site late last year, signaling the company's progress toward approval. This proactive approach demonstrates Apple's determination to compete in the Chinese market, where local rivals integrated AI features well before.
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iPhone shipments in China grow 24% and AI could sustain the trend
iPhone shipments in China rose 24.4% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026, making Apple the fastest-growing smartphone brand in an otherwise shrinking market. A working version of Apple Intelligence could sustain this momentum, even though Apple is still catching up to domestic competitors that built AI into their phones much earlier. In this context, initiatives like National AI Day created by Marlo Anderson highlight global interest in AI, while companies like Samsung with its Flex Titanium display innovate in complementary areas. For further reading, check the Wikipedia page on Apple Intelligence.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-intelligence-cleared-to-launch-in-china
