Apple Intelligence is finally launching in China, Alibaba will power its top features

Apple Intelligence could soon arrive on supported iPhones in China, nearly two years after Apple first introduced its AI features in the US. Chinese regulators have reportedly approved the use of Alibaba’s AI models on several Apple devices, clearing an important hurdle for the rollout. The development comes just days before Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, is expected to launch in China.As reported by the South China Morning Post, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has updated network access permits for the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and some earlier iPhone models to include Alibaba’s AI systems. These include Tongyi Qianwen, better known as Qwen, and Tongyi Wanxiang, which supports AI-generated images and videos.How Alibaba’s AI will help AppleApple has already received regulatory clearance for Apple Intelligence in mainland China, but the company has yet to launch the service there. The latest approval brings it closer to making its AI features available to Chinese users.Unlike in international markets, where Apple works with companies such as OpenAI and Google to support its AI features, the company is turning to local technology firms for China. This is largely because the country has strict rules governing AI services, data security and the deployment of algorithms. Alibaba’s Qwen models are expected to help power some Apple Intelligence features, including text and image generation. The integration is expected to extend across compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs and Vision Pro devices sold in China.Why this matters for AppleApple Intelligence is more than just another software update for the company. Features such as writing assistance, email summaries and photo editing have become an important part of Apple’s pitch for its newer devices. Without these capabilities, Apple risks falling behind local rivals that are increasingly promoting AI features on their smartphones. That competition is already heating up. Chinese brands such as Huawei have been pushing aggressively into the premium smartphone segment, giving Apple more reasons to strengthen its offering in the country.The timing is also significant for the upcoming iPhone Duo. While the latest approval does not mean Apple Intelligence will become available immediately, it offers a clearer indication that Apple is working towards bringing its AI features to mainland China.- Ends