Apple Launches AI Trial in China Using Alibaba’s Qwen Model
Apple has initiated a trial of its artificial intelligence tools for users in China, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to integrate generative AI into its ecosystem within one of its most critical markets. The trial, which began on Wednesday, is currently limited to developers, with Apple stating that public access will be granted in December. This launch comes almost two years after the initial rollout of Apple Intelligence features in the United States and other international markets during the autumn of 2024. The delay in the Chinese market was primarily attributed to Beijing’s stringent regulatory requirements regarding data security and technology compliance.
To navigate these complex rules, Apple has partnered with Alibaba Group, utilizing its Qwen AI model as the backbone for its services in the region. Unlike its operations in other countries where Apple relies on models from Google and OpenAI, the Chinese market requires all AI service providers to register with internet regulators, use local data centers, and process data domestically. US-based firms such as Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic have either blocked or restricted access to their services in China, making local partnerships essential for Apple’s entry. Apple received regulatory approval for this partnership in July after reportedly holding discussions with several major Chinese tech firms, including Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent.
The initial release of Apple Intelligence in China includes eighteen features, such as live translation for phone calls and tools designed to summarize and proofread messages. However, the update does not yet include the latest enhancements to Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Ivan Lam, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, noted that while the launch fills a long-standing gap in Apple’s AI offerings, it may not provide a significant competitive advantage in a crowded market dominated by homegrown smartphone manufacturers who are actively developing their own AI ecosystems.
The reliance on local partners highlights the structural concessions Apple must make regarding pricing and control over the user experience in China. Zhang Yi, founder of research firm iiMedia, emphasized that the delay was driven by compliance costs rather than research and development challenges. According to Omdia, more than 110 million iPhones in China are capable of running Apple Intelligence, providing a substantial base for adoption despite fierce competition. Meanwhile, Qwen is gaining traction globally, having been adopted by companies like BMW for in-car assistants and UEFA for fan engagement, reflecting its growing influence in the open-weight AI sector.
This report was produced in the Europe Brief News newsroom.
