Apple AI efforts in China have taken a new direction as the company develops a large language model specifically for the Chinese market, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Apple developed the model with support from Alibaba Group, the people said. They asked not to be identified because the information remains private.
The move marks a shift in Apple’s approach to artificial intelligence in China. Previously, the company relied mainly on domestic technology partners to provide AI models for its devices.
Apple has not used its own China-specific model publicly before. Meanwhile, US services such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude remain unavailable in China.
Apple and Alibaba did not comment on the development.
Apple Intelligence could launch in China in the coming months through an iOS update, according to the sources. A locally tailored model would give Apple greater control over its AI features in one of its most important overseas markets.
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The strategy could also help Apple compete with Chinese rivals such as Huawei. Local smartphone makers have moved quickly to add AI assistants and other intelligent features to their devices.
At the same time, Apple must navigate China’s strict regulations on generative AI. The company recently cleared a key regulatory hurdle when China’s cyberspace regulator registered its generative AI service.
Under Apple’s existing arrangement, Alibaba’s Qwen model will power parts of Apple Intelligence on compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs and Vision Pro devices in China. Apple also plans to incorporate technology from Baidu, according to an earlier Reuters report.
Apple recently published a Chinese-language guide showing how eligible Mac users could connect Qwen with Siri and Writing Tools. However, the company later removed the guide without explaining why.
Apple’s partnership with Alibaba dates back to February 2025. Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai confirmed at the time that Apple would use the Chinese company’s AI technology to power its devices in China.
The rollout later faced delays as Apple worked to meet Chinese regulatory requirements.
China remains an important market for Apple. The company has faced stronger competition from domestic smartphone brands, particularly as Chinese consumers increasingly choose devices with built-in AI features.
Therefore, Apple’s China-specific model could help the company strengthen its position in the market. However, it remains unclear how the new model will work alongside Alibaba’s Qwen and other third-party Chinese AI systems.
