Apple Collaborates with Alibaba to Develop AI Model for China

Apple and Alibaba Unite for AI Development

Apple has teamed up with Alibaba to create a language model specifically for the Chinese market, marking a significant step in the tech giant's expansion in China. This collaboration positions Apple as potentially the first foreign company to deploy its own AI model within the country.

The Cyberspace Administration of China approved Apple’s AI service last month, which is a notable achievement given the regulatory hurdles that have hindered access for other international AI services like OpenAI's ChatGPT.

In February 2025, Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai confirmed the partnership, noting that Apple evaluated several options before selecting Alibaba as its collaborator. Apple plans to incorporate its AI model with Alibaba’s Qwen and Baidu’s technology, although the specific integration details are still unclear.

Apple Intelligence, the branded AI initiative, is expected to be rolled out for Chinese iPhones through an iOS update in the near future. This move comes after a challenging period for Apple's AI division, which faced setbacks including reliance on Google's Gemini for its upcoming Foundation Models and a $250 million settlement over misleading claims regarding AI features in iPhones.

Additionally, Apple recently unveiled an updated version of Siri, designed to engage in conversations and analyze images, although this assistant will not be available in China until regulatory issues are resolved.