Apple Trains China AI Model
Apple is reportedly developing a custom AI model for mainland China with support from Alibaba. The model is described as China-focused and tied to a rare cross-border collaboration between two major tech companies.
The report comes after earlier coverage that Apple Intelligence had received regulatory approval in China and would be adapted for the local market. Previous reports indicated that Alibaba’s AI technology would be part of Apple’s China rollout, with the service designed to comply with Chinese rules.
Key Events
- Apple reportedly trained a custom AI model for the China market.
- Alibaba supported the development of the China-focused large language model.
- Reuters said the partnership is part of Apple’s effort to bring Apple Intelligence to mainland China.
- The report follows earlier disclosure that Apple Intelligence received regulatory approval in China and would use Alibaba’s Qwen models.
Apple partners with Alibaba for China AI
Apple has been working with Alibaba to bring Apple Intelligence to mainland China, where its generative AI features have been delayed by regulatory approval. According to the report, Apple trained a large language model for the market with Alibaba’s help, marking an unusual move for the company and a rare approval for a foreign firm in China.
The Chinese version of Apple Intelligence is expected to use Alibaba’s Qwen model for language-related features, while Baidu handles search. The rollout is expected to cover the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro sold in China, after the partnership spent months clearing regulatory hurdles.
Key Events
- Apple trained a proprietary large language model for the Chinese market with Alibaba’s support.
- Reuters reported that Apple became the first foreign firm Beijing approved to offer a proprietary AI model in mainland China.
- The model is expected to power Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro sold in China.
- Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai had confirmed the partnership earlier in February 2025.
- Alibaba’s Qwen model is used for the Chinese version of Apple Intelligence, while Baidu provides search features.
Apple trains AI model for China
Apple has trained a large language model tailored for the China market, according to people familiar with the matter. The model was developed with Alibaba’s support, marking a shift from Apple’s usual reliance on outside AI models for features in the country.
The report comes amid Apple’s broader effort to bring Apple Intelligence to China under local regulatory rules. Reuters has separately reported that Alibaba said its Qwen model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence across Apple’s iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro software in China. Apple is also reported to be working with Baidu on additional AI features for Chinese iPhone users.
Key Events
- Apple trained a large language model specifically for the China market.
- The model was developed with support from Alibaba Group.
- The report says Apple shifted from relying only on third-party models for AI features in China.
- Alibaba said its Qwen model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro in China.
- Apple is also reported to be working with Baidu on some China AI features.