Apple Partners with Alibaba to Bring Adapted AI Features to iPhones in China
48 Sources
[1]
Apple Intelligence Will Get a Revamp for iPhones in China, Report Says
Samantha Kelly is a freelance writer with a focus on consumer technology, AI, social media, Big Tech, emerging trends and how they impact our everyday lives. Her work has been featured on CNN, NBC, NPR, the BBC, Mashable and more. Apple is reportedly working with local partners to bring Apple
[2]
Apple Intelligence Will Get an Adaptation for iPhones in China, Report Says
Samantha Kelly is a freelance writer with a focus on consumer technology, AI, social media, Big Tech, emerging trends and how they impact our everyday lives. Her work has been featured on CNN, NBC, NPR, the BBC, Mashable and more. Apple is reportedly working with local partners to bring Apple
[3]
Apple Intelligence Plan for China Detailed in New Report
Apple is working to bring its AI features to China as early as May, with Alibaba and Baidu acting as local partners to help the company meet strict state regulations, according to a new Bloomberg report. Apple is said to have dedicated teams in both China and the US working to adapt its Apple
[4]
Apple could roll out AI features for iPhones in China as early as May
The company is working with Alibaba and Baidu to bring Apple Intelligence to the country. Apple's artificial intelligence features for iPhones could be available in China as early as May, according to Bloomberg. The company reportedly established several teams in China and the US to make that
[5]
Apple works with Alibaba to bring Apple Intelligence to China
Apple's push to bring Apple Intelligence to China has taken a big step forward, with it working with Alibaba to produce AI features for the country's iPhone users. Apple is in the middle of a slow rollout of Apple Intelligence to its iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, with it currently only available in
[6]
Report reveals details of how Apple Intelligence will work in China
As reported earlier today, Apple has officially partnered with Alibaba to enable Apple Intelligence for iPhone users in China. The country has strict regulatory requirements on artificial intelligence, which has led Apple to partner with Chinese companies for AI processing. Now a new report from
[7]
Apple Ditches DeepSeek And Partners With Alibaba To Bring Apple Intelligence To China, Submits First Set Of Co-Developed AI Features For Approval
Apple Intelligence has been making the rounds in the world with major upgrades across the entire operating system, and the company is consistently making improvements with every update. However, China has still not received Apple's AI features on the iPhone, which could hurt its sales in the long
[8]
Apple and Alibaba Said to Be Pairing Up for Apple Intelligence in China
These features are reportedly awaiting regulatory approval Apple has reportedly partnered with Alibaba to co-develop artificial intelligence (AI) features for its iPhone and other devices in China. As per the report, the Cupertino-based tech giant went through multiple AI-focused companies before
[9]
Apple Partners with Alibaba to Bring AI Features to iPhones in China
China is Apple's second-largest market after the US, and securing a strong AI strategy in the region is crucial for the company. Apple has reportedly partnered with Chinese tech giant Alibaba to introduce AI features to iPhones in China, according to The Information. The move comes at a time when
[10]
Alibaba to manipulate Apple Intelligence output in China for censorship
Apple will finally be able to launch Apple Intelligence in China, but the cost is allowing Alibaba to manipulate AI output to be acceptable to the Chinese government. Apple Intelligence is an Apple-built artificial intelligence system that runs on devices and in the cloud through Private Cloud
[11]
Apple will integrate Alibaba's AI into iPhones in China, chairman Joe Tsai says
An Apple Store on Jan. 26, 2025, in Chongqing, China. Cheng Xin | Getty Images News | Getty Images Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai confirmed on Thursday that the company was partnering with Apple to roll out AI for iPhones sold in China, speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. "[Apple]
[12]
Alibaba Group Chairman Officially Announces Partnership To Bring Apple Intelligence To iPhones In China, But No Confirmation On When Generative AI Features Will Arrive
Apple Intelligence support in China was having a difficult time finding a strong footing, with a multitude of reports stating that a partnership with Tencent or ByteDance was imperative to bring generative AI features to iPhones in the region. DeepSeek was also an option for Apple, but it was
[13]
Apple could partner with Alibaba for AI features in China
Apple is partnering with Alibaba to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) features for iPhone users in China, according to a report by The Information. This move aims to address Apple's declining market share in the region, where competitors like HUAWEI have already integrated AI tools into their
[14]
Apple Reportedly Links With Alibaba for Chinese AI Rollout | PYMNTS.com
Apple reportedly found a partner to help it bring its artificial intelligence features to devices in China. The iPhone maker is working with Chinese tech giant Alibaba to develop and launch its Apple Intelligence AI offering in the crucial market, The Information reported Tuesday (Feb. 11), citing
[15]
China to get finally Apple Intelligence as Alibaba deal is confirmed
The rumored collaboration between Apple and Alibaba to get Apple Intelligence in China has now been confirmed, sending Alibaba shares rising to a new high. China has regulatory rules regarding the use of AI models, with the practical effect that a US company effectively has to find a Chinese
[16]
Apple Partners With Alibaba to Bring iPhone AI Features to China
Apple will partner with Alibaba to offer AI features in China, the Chinese company's chairman said on Thursday, resolving months of speculation around Apple's strategy in the region (via Reuters). "They talked to a number of companies in China," said Joe Tsai at the World Government Summit in
[17]
Apple partners with Alibaba to develop AI features for iPhone in China, The Information reports
Feb 11 (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab is partnering with Alibaba (9988.HK), opens new tab to develop and roll out AI features for iPhone users in China, The Information reported on Tuesday, citing one person with direct knowledge of the decision. Apple and Alibaba did not immediately
[18]
Report: Apple strikes deal to bring AI to China, rejects DeepSeek option - 9to5Mac
iPhone sales have been struggling in China, where Apple has been unable to launch Apple Intelligence features yet. But per a new The Information report, the company has just struck a deal to bring AI to China. Qianer Liu and Jing Yang have published a new report for The Information (paywalled)
[19]
Apple partners with Alibaba to bring AI for iPhones to China, The Information reports
Apple and Space-X teaming up in a partnership that could allow you to send a text even with no coverage. Apple AAPL.O is partnering with Alibaba 9988.HK to roll out artificial intelligence features for iPhone users in China, the Information reported on Tuesday, citing one person with direct
[20]
Alibaba's AI to Power Apple's China iPhones, Report Says
CNBC cited Tsai speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai and reportedly said the U.S. phone maker settled on Alibaba as a partner after conversations with several Chinese companies. Tsai said, according to the news outlet, that Apple wants Alibaba to "power" its phones and that the Chinese
[21]
Apple is reportedly partnering with Alibaba in China for AI features, and it makes sense after DeepSeek
Alibaba's vast consumer data and AI expertise make it an ideal partner for Apple's plans for China DeepSeek has been at the center of frenzied interest in Chinese AI developers; even so, Apple is reportedly teaming up with Chinese tech giant Alibaba to produce new AI features for iPhones sold in
[22]
Alibaba chairman officially announces Apple partnership to bring iPhone AI to China - 9to5Mac
Apple has officially partnered with Alibaba to bring Apple Intelligence AI features to the iPhone in China. Alibaba Group chairman Joe Tsai confirmed the deal on Thursday, sending the Chinese firm's stock price to a three-year high. Apple Intelligence in China will rely on Alibaba's Qwen model,
[23]
Apple Joins Hands With Alibaba to Bring Apple Intelligence to China: Report
Tsai gave the confirmation at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai Apple's partnership with Alibaba was reportedly confirmed on Thursday. As per the report, Alibaba chairperson Joseph Chung-Hsin Tsai confirmed the news at the recently concluded World Governments Summit 2025 held in Dubai.
[24]
Apple reportedly partners with Alibaba after rejecting DeepSeek for China AI launch | TechCrunch
According to a report published Tuesday by The Information, Apple is partnering Alibaba to bring its Apple Intelligence platform to China. The deal is said to arrive after the iPhone maker reportedly explored - but ultimately rejected - a potential partnership with uber-buzzy AI startup, DeepSeek,
[25]
Apple partners with China's Alibaba to integrate AI features into iPhones
During his speech, Tsai revealed that Apple had considered several local companies before working with Alibaba. "They [Apple] want to leverage our AI capabilities to enhance their devices," he stated, indicating the critical role of Alibaba's technology in this initiative. The collaboration has
[26]
Alibaba says it will be Apple's AI partner in China
Alibaba's chair has said it will provide technology for Apple's artificial intelligence-capable iPhone models sold in China, confirming reports of a high-profile partnership that has fuelled a rally in the Chinese group's shares. "Apple has been very selective. They talked to a number of companies
[27]
Alibaba Exec Confirms Its AI Will Power Apple's China iPhones
CNBC cited Tsai speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai and reportedly said the U.S. phone maker settled on Alibaba as a partner after conversations with several Chinese companies. Tsai said, according to the news outlet, that Apple wants Alibaba to "power" its phones and that the Chinese
[28]
Alibaba confirms Apple deal bringing AI features to iPhones in China | TechCrunch
Alibaba on Thursday confirmed recent reports of a partnership with Apple that's set to bring AI features to iPhones sold in China. The deal is an important one for Apple, as iPhone sales have dropped precipitously in the world's largest smartphone market. The handset experienced an 11%
[29]
Chinese iPhones: Alibaba chairman confirms AI partnership with Apple
Image credit: Bloomberg Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai said that the Chinese tech company will partner with Apple on AI for iPhones sold in the China market, while speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Thursday. Apple Invites: What this new iPhone app helps you do "They talked to a
[30]
Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai Confirms Partnership With Apple
Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai confirmed that the e-commerce giant is working with Apple to roll out AI features for iPhones in China. "Apple has been very selective, they talked to a number of companies in China, and in the end, they choose to do business with us. They want to use our AI to power
[31]
Alibaba to supply AI tech for Apple's iPhones in China: chairman
Alibaba's chairman said Thursday that the Chinese internet giant would supply artificial intelligence (AI) technology to power Apple's iPhones in the Asian nation. Apple has suffered from a slump in iPhone sales in China and last year ceded its status as the country's best-selling smartphone brand
[32]
Alibaba won't solve all of Apple's China problems
Apple is collaborating with Alibaba to introduce Apple Intelligence in China. This comes as the company faces declining sales and tariffs from the US. Beijing might investigate Apple's app store fees. Apple also needs to navigate US-China tensions and competition from Chinese brands like Huawei.
[33]
Apple gets relief for an AI ache. It could fix Apple Intelligence for everyone
Table of Contents Table of Contents Why this is a massive breakthrough? Fixing Apple Intelligence for the whole world? It's no secret that Apple's AI efforts, especially on the iPhone, haven't quite managed to create a stir, neither in terms of capabilities, nor the pace of innovation. The
[34]
iPhone AI features will be powered by Alibaba in China
"They talked to a number of companies in China. In the end they chose to do business with us. They want to use our AI to power their phones," Alibaba chairman Joseph Tsai said. "We feel extremely honoured to do business with a great company like Apple." The announcement doesn't quite end
[35]
Alibaba Chair Confirms Apple AI Partnership in China | PYMNTS.com
A top executive from China's Alibaba has confirmed his company's AI partnership with Apple. Joe Tsai, Alibaba's chair, said at a conference in Dubai Thursday (Feb. 13) that the tech firm would work with Apple to help bring artificial intelligence (AI)-powered iPhones to China. His comments
[36]
Apple-Alibaba Join Hands for iPhone AI Features in China Amid DeepSeek Debate
Alibaba Joins Hands with Apple to Bring AI Technologies for Local iPhones It's indeed the time of DeepSeek, but Apple still preferred another company as its AI partner in China. It's been a few weeks since DeepSeek , and it has already challenged the biggest AI companies like OpenAI for a tough
[37]
Apple, Alibaba to bring AI to iPhones in China: report (AAPL:NASDAQ)
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is working with Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) to bring artificial intelligence features to iPhones in China, The Information reported. Apple shares rose 0.9% in premarket trading, while Alibaba erased early morning losses and rose 1%. This is breaking news... More on Apple and
[38]
Apple's AI Split: Chooses Alibaba For China And OpenAI For Everyone Else - Alibaba Gr Hldgs (NYSE:BABA)
Apple Inc AAPL tapped Alibaba Group Holding BABA to develop and roll out artificial intelligence features for iPhone users in China, the Information cited an unnamed source familiar with the matter. Apple's move marks its attempts to consolidate its position in China as Apple Intelligence
[39]
Will Apple's AI Partnership With Alibaba Solve Its China Problem? Here's What Analysts Think
Morgan Stanley analysts said the reported partnership would be "a critical catalyst for Apple's competitive standing in China" and suggested it could solve Apple's iPhone sales slump in the country. Apple (AAPL) is reportedly partnering with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba (BABA) to develop Apple
[40]
Apple's iPhone Will Use Alibaba AI in China, Joe Tsai Says
"Apple has been very selective, they talked to a number of companies in China, and in the end they choose to do business with us, they want to use our AI to power their phones," Tsai told Jeffrey Katzenberg in an interview at the World Government Summit in Dubai.
[41]
Apple Reportedly 'Passed Over' DeepSeek as Apple Intelligence Partner
Apple in recent months "passed over" the Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek, according to The Information. DeepSeek has garnered significant media attention over the past few weeks, as it developed an artificial intelligence model at a lower cost and with reduced power consumption
[42]
Apple Intelligence Rollout In China And Europe To Boost iPhone Sales, Says Deepwater's Gene Munster - Alibaba Gr Hldgs (NYSE:BABA), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Apple Inc. AAPL is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) features in China in collaboration with Alibaba Group Holdings BABA, a move that could potentially stimulate iPhone sales growth in the region, following a challenging period of declining sales. What Happened: According to a report
[43]
Alibaba Shares Surge After Progress in Apple Partnership -- Update
Alibaba's shares surged as the e-commerce giant made progress in its partnership with Apple to roll out artificial-intelligence features in China. Apple recently submitted Apple Intelligence features for China, developed with Alibaba, for approval by the country's cyberspace regulator, a person
[44]
Apple Finds Its AI Wingman In Alibaba - Can It Power An iPhone Comeback In China? - Alibaba Gr Hldgs (NYSE:BABA), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Apple Inc AAPL may have just found its secret weapon to reclaim lost ground in China - Alibaba Group Holding Ltd BABAF BABA. After months of uncertainty, Apple has reportedly teamed up with the Chinese tech giant to bring AI features to iPhones in the country, giving investors a reason to
[45]
Apple Will Use Alibaba AI Tech in iPhones
Apple Inc.'s iPhones will use Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.'s AI technology, the Chinese firm's chairman said, affirming reports the e-commerce pioneer had scored a coveted role in helping power the iPhone in the world's top mobile arena. Chairman and Co-founder Joe Tsai confirmed this during a panel
[46]
Apple Teams Up With Alibaba for AI, Analyst Says Edge Device Integration Could Boost Growth - Alibaba Gr Hldgs (NYSE:BABA), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
BofA Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan reiterated a Buy rating on Apple Inc AAPL with a price target of $265. Reportedly, Apple is partnering with Alibaba Group Holdings BABA to develop AI features for Chinese iPhone users. The companies co-developed Chinese AI features and have submitted them to
[47]
Apple just gave Alibaba stock a 5% burst: Should you buy in?
Alibaba Group's U.S.-listed shares surged nearly 5% on Wednesday, closing at their highest level in over two years, following reports of a partnership with Apple to develop artificial intelligence features for Apple products in China. Apple submitted AI features developed in collaboration with
[48]
Why Alibaba Stock Closed at a 2-Year High on Wednesday
Analysts have said the launch of the AI features could help boost iPhone sales in China. Shares of Alibaba Group (BABA) listed in the U.S. extended their rally into Wednesday amid reports that the Chinese tech and e-commerce giant is partnering with Apple (AAPL) to create artificial intelligence
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Apple is collaborating with Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Baidu to adapt its Apple Intelligence system for the Chinese market, complying with local regulations and aiming to boost its presence in its second-largest market.
Apple's Strategic Move in China
Apple is making significant strides to introduce its AI features, known as Apple Intelligence, to the Chinese market. The tech giant is reportedly collaborating with local partners, primarily Alibaba and Baidu, to adapt its artificial intelligence system for iPhones in China
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. This move comes as Apple seeks to regain momentum in its second-largest market, where it has recently experienced a decline in sales3
.Partnerships and Adaptations
Alibaba has emerged as Apple's primary partner in this endeavor. Joe Tsai, chairman of Alibaba, confirmed the collaboration during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, stating, "Apple has been very selective. They talked to a number of companies in China, and in the end, they choose to do business with us. They want to use our AI to power their phones"
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.The partnership with Alibaba involves building an on-device system to analyze and modify Apple's AI models for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users in China. This system will include built-in censorship and filtering capabilities to comply with Chinese government requirements
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. Meanwhile, Baidu is set to handle features like Visual Intelligence for the upcoming iPhone 163
.Regulatory Compliance and Censorship
To meet China's strict regulations, Apple is working with Alibaba to implement content filtering and censorship measures. This adaptation will allow for government-directed content filtering without user awareness
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. The censorship will apply only to iPhones and other devices sold in China, not to those purchased elsewhere1
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.Technical Considerations
Chinese law mandates that data be processed on China-based servers rather than being sent to servers in other countries. It also requires companies to work with local partners to receive regulatory approval
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. The Chinese version of Apple Intelligence will differ significantly from its US counterpart, relying heavily on local partnerships instead of combining on-device features, server-based processing, and ChatGPT integration3
.Related Stories
Market Implications
This strategic move comes as Apple faces declining sales in China, where local smartphone brands have gained market share partly due to their AI offerings
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. In the last quarter of 2024, Apple's sales in China dropped by 11.1%, placing it third in the country's smartphone market after Huawei and Xiaomi4
.Timeline and Expansion
Apple is expected to launch its adapted version of Apple Intelligence for China as early as May 2025
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. The company is also planning to release Apple Intelligence support for new languages, including Chinese, with iOS 18.4 in April1
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. This expansion is crucial for Apple as it seeks to compete in key markets such as China and India, where budget-friendly smartphones with premium features are gaining traction1
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.References
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