Apple is reportedly taking a new route to bring artificial intelligence features to customers in China: training a large language model of its own with help from Alibaba.
Reuters reports that three sources described the China-specific model as a departure from Apple’s strategy of relying on third-party models.
Alibaba reportedly supported the model’s training, though neither company commented.
Models including ChatGPT and Claude are unavailable in mainland China, making Apple’s strategy there different from its approach in other major markets for now.
The development follows Alibaba confirming its Apple partnership in February 2025. More recently, China’s internet regulator registered Apple Intelligence for use on iPhones.
Previous reporting said Alibaba’s Qwen model and technology from Baidu would be incorporated into the localized system.
Reuters says it remains unclear how Apple’s new model will work alongside those third-party models. Apple Intelligence is expected to reach China in the coming months following an iOS update, according to the report.
Elsewhere, Apple’s overhauled Siri AI is scheduled to launch publicly with iOS 27 this fall where available.
It will initially support select English variants, while iPhone and iPad availability in the EU is delayed. China’s timeline remains unconfirmed.
Do more with your Apple products
Apple AirTag 2 | Add Find My tracking to keys, bags, bikes, more
AirPods 4 | Apple’s newest wireless headphones
AirPods Pro 3 | Apple’s best wireless headphones
Beats USB-A to USB-C Cable | The official CarPlay cable
Wireless CarPlay Adapter | No more plugging in required
Withings Body Comp | Best smart scale for Apple Health
