Apple has trained a large language model tailored for the China market, partnering with Chinese technology firm Alibaba Group, according to reports citing individuals familiar with the matter. This development represents a change in strategy for Apple, which previously relied on domestic third-party models to power its artificial intelligence features in the country. The new custom model is expected to provide Apple with greater control over its AI services as it prepares to launch Apple Intelligence in China.
The move follows a lengthy regulatory process that concluded last month when the Cyberspace Administration of China, the country's internet watchdog, registered Apple's generative AI service. This approval clears the way for Apple Intelligence to reach iPhones and other compatible devices in China for the first time. Apple Intelligence, the company's suite of AI tools, is anticipated to roll out in China in the coming months following an update to its iOS operating system.
Prior to this, Apple had utilized models from Chinese technology companies to integrate generative AI into its devices sold in China. Unlike in its home market, where Apple integrates its technology with U.S. models such as Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's ChatGPT, these models are not available in China. The decision to train its own China-specific model, with Alibaba's assistance, has not been previously reported.
This collaboration is viewed as a "dual-track" approach to AI deployment for a foreign company in China. It allows Apple to combine its proprietary technology with locally approved third-party systems, enabling it to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining greater oversight of the user experience. Under an arrangement approved by China's Cyberspace Administration, Alibaba's Qwen model is expected to be incorporated into Apple Intelligence across compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Vision Pro devices in China. Technology from Baidu is also anticipated to be included.
Alibaba's chairman, Joe Tsai, confirmed a partnership with Apple in February 2025, stating that Apple would use Alibaba's AI to power its phones in China. Tsai noted at the time that Apple had engaged with several Chinese companies before choosing Alibaba. The rollout of these features was subsequently delayed as Apple worked to adapt them to Chinese regulations.
The introduction of Apple's own AI model comes as the company seeks to regain momentum in the Chinese market. Local smartphone brands, such as Huawei, have moved more quickly to integrate AI features into their devices, impacting Apple's competitiveness. The absence of Apple Intelligence on Chinese iPhones has been cited as a factor affecting Apple's sales and market share in the region.
Apple has already initiated testing aspects of this partnership. Eligible Mac users in mainland China have been able to connect Alibaba's Qwen service to Siri and Writing Tools. The specific role Apple's self-trained model will ultimately play alongside Alibaba's Qwen and other third-party systems remains unclear. Neither Apple nor Alibaba have publicly commented on these reports.