Apple AI tools come to China after 2-year delay
The tech giant said it will work with Alibaba's Qwen to integrate more powerful AI features into devices alongside its own basic AI offerings.
Apple has commenced a delayed trial launch of its own artificial intelligence tools for Chinese users, entering the domestic market behind Chinese competitors. The on-device features, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, were initially unveiled in the US and other nations in autumn 2024, marking Apple's maiden significant endeavor into generative AI.
However, the rollout faced a setback due to stringent Chinese regulatory criteria and the absence of Google and OpenAI's models in the country. Apple intends to collaborate with Alibaba's Qwen to infuse more sophisticated AI functionalities into devices, alongside its existing basic AI offerings. The trial phase, limited to developers, is set to commence in December, following regulatory approval secured in July after discussions with Chinese tech firms like Alibaba, Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent.
Apple Intelligence encompasses 18 AI features, ranging from real-time translation during phone calls to assistance with message summarization and proofreading, but excludes the latest iteration of Siri. Zhang Yi, a research firm founder, noted that compliance costs and regulatory constraints were the primary reasons for Apple's tardiness in China.
Although Apple reported a 21% revenue surge in the Greater China region, the company's CEO faces considerable challenges amidst a dynamic market. With over 110 million iPhones in China capable of supporting Apple Intelligence, the stage is set for rapid adoption, yet the competitive landscape is intense, with Chinese mobile manufacturers and internet companies racing to develop AI features and agent ecosystems.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
