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

Apple has developed an AI model customized for the Chinese market in collaboration with Alibaba Group, according to sources familiar with the matter. This marks a shift from the company's previous approach of relying on third-party models to power AI features on iPhones and other devices sold in China. Previously, Apple's strategy had been to use domestic partners' models, such as Alibaba's Qwen, to bring generative AI capabilities to its devices in the Chinese market, where U.S.-based models like Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's ChatGPT are not available.

The development of a proprietary China-specific model would grant Apple greater control over the AI experience in its most competitive overseas market, where it has been losing ground to local rivals like Huawei. The partnership with Alibaba was first announced in February 2025, but the rollout was delayed as Apple adapted its features to comply with Chinese regulations.

The Cyberspace Administration of China recently registered Apple's generative AI service, clearing the way for Apple Intelligence to be introduced to Chinese iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Vision Pro devices. Apple's move represents a unique partnership between a foreign company and a Chinese tech firm amid the ongoing trade and diplomatic tensions between the two countries over AI.