Apple trains its own AI model for China market with Alibaba's support, sources say

Apple has developed its own large language model specifically for the Chinese market, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. This move represents a shift from Apple's usual strategy of utilizing third-party models to deliver AI features on its devices sold in China. The AI model was created in collaboration with Alibaba Group and received support from Apple itself throughout the development process, though the details are considered sensitive and not publicly available.

This development is not new; Apple had previously relied on Chinese partners' AI models for its products in the Chinese market, where U.S. models like Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, integrated with Apple's technology in the United States, are not accessible. The partnership between Apple and Alibaba was confirmed in February 2025, with Alibaba's chairman Joe Tsai announcing that Apple would utilize Alibaba’s AI technology to power its phones in China. However, the rollout faced delays due to Apple's efforts to comply with Chinese regulations.

The introduction of Apple’s proprietary AI model for the Chinese market could potentially reshape the AI landscape in China. This development is significant as China constitutes a substantial portion of Apple's revenue, and the absence of AI features on Chinese iPhones has been a point of concern for the company. By offering a proprietary AI model, Apple aims to gain greater control over the AI experience in its most competitive overseas market and navigate the stringent regulatory environment in China, which has hindered access for many other U.S. technology firms.

This strategy also positions Apple as the first foreign company approved by Beijing to offer a proprietary AI model in the country, marking a rare collaboration between U.S. and Chinese tech firms amid escalating trade and diplomatic tensions.