Apple develops China AI model with Alibaba

Apple Inc. has developed a proprietary large language model specifically for the Chinese market, with technical support from Alibaba Group. This marks a strategic shift from relying solely on third-party models, giving Apple greater control over its AI experience in China. The move follows regulatory clearance from the China — Cyberspace Administration of China, which registered Apple's generative AI service in July 2026, positioning Apple as the first foreign company approved to offer a proprietary AI model in mainland China. Apple Intelligence is expected to launch in China in the coming months via an iOS update. Alibaba's Qwen model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence, while Baidu's technology will handle search-related functions. The partnership was first publicly confirmed in February 2025 by Alibaba Chairman Joseph Tsai. Apple faces intense competition from local rivals like Huawei, which have rapidly integrated AI features into their devices. The dual-track approach combines Apple's proprietary model with locally approved third-party systems to navigate China's stringent AI regulations.