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Apple Intelligence AI Service Registered with China's Cyberspace Regulator

Alibaba’s Qwen AI will power text and image features for Chinese users as Apple clears a long regulatory process for its on-device AI service.

  • On Wednesday, The Cyberspace Administration registered Apple Intelligence for use in China, integrating Alibaba Group Holding's Qwen AI model across Apple devices.
  • Beijing requires companies to register generative AI services before public release; Apple navigated this process while strengthening ties with Chinese officials following delays that forced a switch to Google Gemini.
  • Alibaba confirmed that Qwen will power Apple Intelligence features across Apple devices, enabling text and image generation, while Apple is also working with Baidu to develop additional features.
  • This approval strengthens Apple's market position amid US-China tensions, helping it compete with local brands like Huawei after reporting a 24.4% year-on-year increase in shipments in the second quarter.
  • Although the regulator did not provide a specific rollout date, the approval positions Apple to tap a market keen on AI; separately, the regulator also registered ZTE's Nubia-Doubao smartphone model.
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The time has come, Apple Intelligence will operate in China with the support of Baidu and Alibaba

Lean Right

The Chinese authorities have added Apple Intelligence to the list of approved AIs, for which the iPhone manufacturer cooperates with Alibaba and Baidu in China.

·Düsseldorf, Germany
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Center

Apple AI Tools Cleared For China Launch With Alibaba And Baidu – channelnews

Apple has secured regulatory approval to launch Apple Intelligence on iPhones in China, clearing a major obstacle that has kept its generative AI tools out of one of its most important markets for nearly two years. China’s Cyberspace Administration has registered Apple’s on-device AI service for use on iPhones, paving the way for features including writing assistance, image generation, notification summaries and custom emojis. However, Apple has not confirmed when the service will become available. The Chinese version of Apple Intelligence will use technology supplied by local AI companies Alibaba and Baidu, as foreign generative AI services face strict regulatory and data requirements in the country. Alibaba confirmed its Qwen model would be integrated into Apple Intelligence experiences across iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS, providing text and image understanding and generation capabilities. Baidu has also confirmed it is working with Apple to develop AI features for Chinese iPhone users, although the companies have not revealed how responsibilities will be divided between the two platforms. The regulatory approval currently applies specifically to Apple Intelligence on iPhones, leaving the timing of support for Chinese iPads, Macs and Vision Pro headsets unclear. Apple first introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 but was unable to release it in mainland China without partnering with an approved domestic AI provider. The delay placed Apple at a disadvantage against Chinese smartphone makers including Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo, which have already rolled out generative AI features across their devices. The approval comes as Apple shows signs of recovering in China and gaining ground across the wider smartphone market. iPhone shipments in China increased more than 24% year-on-year during the second quarter of 2026, helping Apple regain the number two position behind Huawei. The result follows recent Omdia figures showing Apple recorded its strongest global second quarter on record, capturing 20% of smartphone shipments despite the wider market falling 4%. A local version of Apple Intelligence could encourage more Chinese consumers to upgrade their devices and help Apple defend its position against increasingly competitive domestic brands. Apple has yet to comment publicly on the approval or provide a launch date.

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MacRumors broke the news in Glen Allen, United States on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
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