Apple Intelligence Gets Regulatory Approval in China
Apple Intelligence has been registered with China's cyberspace regulator, clearing a major hurdle for its launch in the country through partnerships with Baidu and Alibaba.
Apple Intelligence has been registered with China's cyberspace regulator, marking a significant milestone that could finally allow the AI service to launch in the country. According to Reuters, the Chinese version of Apple Intelligence will incorporate local models from Baidu and Alibaba to comply with the country's complex regulatory laws regarding AI and privacy. Apple has not yet commented on the matter, but if approval has been granted, Apple Intelligence could arrive in China two years after its US launch.
China is one of Apple's largest and fastest-growing markets. Reports of Apple working with Alibaba and Baidu to bring its AI features to the country first emerged as early as 2025. An Alibaba spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that its Qwen model will be integrated into the version of Apple Intelligence shipping with compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro models in China. Baidu's specific role is less clear, but a company spokesperson confirmed its involvement in developing features for the Chinese version of the AI service.
No release date has been announced, but regulatory approval is presumably necessary for Apple to bring new features like the overhauled Siri AI—powered by Apple Intelligence—to its Chinese customers.
