iPhone sales have been struggling in China, where Apple has been unable to launch Apple Intelligence features yet. But per a new The Information report, the company has just struck a deal to bring AI to China.
Apple partnering with Alibaba to develop AI features for China
Qianer Liu and Jing Yang have published a new report for The Information (paywalled) that outlines Apple’s newfound solution to bringing AI to China.
The US tech giant has partnered with a China-based giant, Alibaba, to bring Apple Intelligence features to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac in China.
Due to restrictions from the Chinese government, Apple can’t launch AI features in the country unless it is done in partnership with a China-based company.
Apple has already said that Apple Intelligence support for Chinese would arrive in iOS 18.4 this April. An important stepping stone in bringing full AI support to the country.
It has never shared concrete plans for enabling AI in China, though.
Interestingly, today’s report also mentions that Apple tested DeepSeek’s models as part of its efforts to bring AI to China. The company reportedly decided to pass on implementing them in its China AI rollout.
The Information also previously reported that Apple was also working with Baidu to develop AI features in China. Apple Intelligence is a large umbrella that encompasses a variety of AI features, such as writing tools, image generation, and intelligent assistant support. It’s possible the company has opted to work with various Chinese partners on different aspects of its AI feature set.
Today’s report is further evidence of Apple’s momentum in bringing Apple Intelligence to one of its most important markets. Here’s hoping the company can work quickly to enable AI support as it seeks to turn around its weakening iPhone marketshare in China.
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