Apple has trained a large language model designed specifically for the Chinese market with support from Alibaba, according to a Reuters report on Friday.
The move marks a change in Apple’s previous strategy, which relied more heavily on third-party Chinese AI models to support its artificial intelligence features in the country.
Developing its own model could give Apple greater control over how Apple Intelligence operates in China. It may also help the company comply with strict local regulations while competing more effectively with domestic smartphone makers such as Huawei.
Alibaba Supports Apple’s AI Strategy in China
Three people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Apple developed the China-focused AI model in cooperation with Alibaba.
Apple had previously planned to depend mainly on AI systems created by Chinese technology companies when launching Apple Intelligence in the market.
Under an arrangement approved by China’s Cyberspace Administration, Alibaba’s Qwen AI model is expected to become part of Apple Intelligence on supported iPhones, iPads, Macs and Vision Pro devices sold in China.
Reuters also reported that technology from Baidu is expected to play a role in Apple’s Chinese AI ecosystem.
Apple Could Use a Dual AI Strategy
Apple’s internally developed model could allow the company to adopt a dual approach in China.
The strategy could combine Apple’s own AI technology with locally approved third-party systems such as Alibaba Qwen. This would help Apple meet Chinese regulatory requirements while maintaining more control over the overall user experience.
Such an approach could also give Apple greater flexibility as China continues to closely regulate generative AI services.
Apple Intelligence Nears China Launch
Apple Intelligence is expected to launch in China in the coming months following regulatory approval.
Apple has already started testing parts of its cooperation with Alibaba. Eligible Mac users in mainland China can reportedly connect Alibaba’s Qwen service with features such as Siri and Writing Tools.
These early integrations indicate that Apple is preparing its ecosystem for a broader rollout of AI-powered services in the country.
Apple Faces Strong AI Competition in China
Apple’s renewed AI push comes as the company looks to strengthen its position in the Chinese smartphone market.
Local manufacturers have moved quickly to introduce artificial intelligence features across their devices. The absence of Apple Intelligence on Chinese iPhones has been viewed as one factor limiting Apple’s ability to compete with domestic brands.
A successful launch could therefore become an important part of Apple’s strategy to regain momentum in one of its most important international markets.
However, Reuters noted that it remains unclear how significant Apple’s self-trained model will ultimately become compared with Alibaba’s Qwen, Baidu technology and other third-party AI systems.
