Apple integrates Alibaba Qwen into Mac

Apple has published a guide for Mac users in mainland China to connect Alibaba's Qwen AI service to Siri and Writing Tools. This integration allows users to access Qwen's generative AI capabilities for tasks like photo and document analysis, and content creation. The move is part of Apple's strategy to compete in China's AI PC market, where it has been losing share to domestic rivals like Lenovo and Huawei. Apple's Mac shipments in China fell 9% year-over-year in Q1, leaving it with 9% market share, compared to Lenovo's 31% and Huawei's 16%. The guide specifies that Alibaba cannot use user data to train its models, addressing privacy concerns. Alibaba recently released Qwen3.8-Max, its most capable model, though Apple has not specified which model will be used. This partnership provides Alibaba with broader distribution for Qwen and helps Apple offer locally compliant AI features.