Apple AI tools come to China after 2-year delay

Apple has commenced a delayed trial launch of its proprietary AI tools, dubbed Apple Intelligence, for users in China, marking the tech giant's entry into the generative AI space. The on-device features, initially released in the US and other countries in autumn 2024, are now set to roll out publicly in China by December. However, Apple's foray into China's competitive AI market is not without challenges, as the country's stringent regulatory requirements for AI service providers pose significant hurdles.

Apple will collaborate with Chinese technology firm Alibaba's Qwen to enhance its AI capabilities. The trial rollout, currently limited to developers, offers 18 AI features, such as real-time translation and message summarisation, but does not yet include the latest version of Siri. Apple's decision to partner with local firms underscores its willingness to adapt to China's stringent regulations, which require data to be processed domestically and services to be registered with the internet watchdog.

Despite a 21% revenue increase in the Greater China region in the latest quarter, Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, faces a formidable challenge in navigating the dynamic Chinese market, where numerous local companies and internet giants are concurrently developing AI features and ecosystems.