Apple has trained a large language model specifically for the Chinese market with the support of Alibaba, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The company plans to launch the Apple Intelligence suite of tools in China in the coming months following an iOS update. Having its own model could give Apple greater control over AI features on devices sold in the country.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n This new approach differs from Apple\u2019s previous strategy in China, where the company relied on models from local partners for generative features on the iPhone and other devices. OpenAI\u2019s ChatGPT and Anthropic\u2019s Claude \u2013 which Apple integrates with its own technologies in its home market \u2013 are not available in the country.<\/p>\n A customised in-house model potentially gives the manufacturer greater control over the AI experience in its most competitive overseas market. There, Apple is competing, in particular, with Huawei, which is actively developing smartphones with AI features.<\/p>\n At the same time, the technical division of roles between Apple\u2019s model, Qwen and other Chinese technologies has not been disclosed. Apple and Alibaba did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.<\/p>\n A lengthy regulatory process came to an end last month: the Cyberspace Administration of China has registered Apple\u2019s generative AI service. This has paved the way for Apple Intelligence to appear on iPhones in China and, according to Reuters, the planned launch could make Apple the first foreign company approved by Beijing to offer its own AI model in the country.<\/p>\n Under the agreed plan, the Qwen model is to be integrated into the Apple Intelligence service for compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs and Vision Pro devices in China. Reuters also reported in July that there were plans to enhance the service with Baidu\u2019s technologies. Apple had previously published a Chinese-language user guide for Mac users on connecting Qwen to Siri and Writing Tools, but subsequently removed it without explanation.<\/p>\n As of 14 August, Apple\u2019s official availability matrix still lists many Apple Intelligence features as unavailable in mainland China. China\u2019s regulations for generative AI include requirements regarding data origin, personal data protection, content moderation, security and interaction with regulatory authorities.<\/p>\n\n
Moving away from relying solely on local models<\/h2>\n
Regulatory approval has paved the way for the launch, but availability is still limited<\/h2>\n
AI features could narrow the gap with local brands<\/h2>\n