Beijing: Apple began testing its artificial intelligence platform in China on Wednesday, nearly two years after launching the technology in other markets, as the US tech company seeks to strengthen its position against domestic smartphone makers.
The trial rollout of Apple Intelligence is currently limited to developers, with the company confirming plans to make the services publicly available in December.
Apple partnered with the Chinese technology company Alibaba to integrate Alibaba's Qwen artificial intelligence models into compatible devices, alongside Apple's own AI capabilities.
The initial release includes 18 features, such as live translation during phone calls, message summarisation and proofreading tools. However, this phase does not include the latest AI upgrade to Apple's voice assistant, Siri.
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in the United States and other markets in autumn 2024, but its Chinese launch was delayed due to regulatory requirements governing generative AI services.
Why Apple partnered with Alibaba
China requires artificial intelligence service providers to register with its internet regulator, to operate through local data infrastructure, and to process relevant information domestically.
These requirements complicated Apple's plans to introduce AI features powered by technology from American companies, including OpenAI and Google, whose services are unavailable or restricted in mainland China.
Apple reportedly explored partnerships with several Chinese technology companies, including Baidu, ByteDance and Tencent, before proceeding with Alibaba.
The company received regulatory approval in July, clearing a major obstacle to introducing Apple Intelligence.
Alibaba's Qwen models can perform tasks including text generation, translation, summarisation and programming. Their integration allows Apple to offer more advanced AI functions while meeting Chinese regulatory requirements.
More than 110 million iPhones support AI features
According to market research company Omdia, more than 110 million iPhones in China can support Apple Intelligence.
The large installed base could let the company introduce its AI services to many existing customers without requiring them to buy new devices.
Apple also reported a 21 per cent increase in quarterly revenue across Greater China, which includes Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Nevertheless, the company faces competition from Chinese manufacturers and technology firms developing their own AI assistants and integrated digital services.
Apple's chief executive, John Ternus, will oversee the company's efforts to expand its AI offering in this increasingly competitive market.
Bloomberg previously reported that Apple planned to introduce its first AI features in mainland China through the iOS 27.3 software update in December. The company did not announce an exact public release date.
The developer trial marks an important step towards that launch, although the availability of additional AI features, including the upgraded Siri assistant, remains uncertain.
