Apple AI tools come to China after two-year delay

Apple has begun a delayed trial launch of its AI tools, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," in China, catching up to local competitors in the rapidly growing market. First introduced in the US and other countries in autumn 2024, Apple Intelligence was the tech giant's first major push into generative AI. However, stringent Chinese regulations and the unavailability of models from major US firms like Google and OpenAI have delayed its launch.

Apple has partnered with Alibaba's Qwen to integrate more robust AI features into its devices, with public access set to begin in December. The initial rollout includes 18 features, such as live call translation and message summarization, but lacks the latest iPhone assistant Siri update. While Apple Intelligence fills a gap in Apple's AI portfolio, it may not provide a significant advantage in the competitive market.

Chinese regulations mandate AI service providers to register with the internet watchdog and use local data centers, requiring Apple to secure approval in July after exploring partnerships with various Chinese tech firms. Despite a 21% revenue increase in the Greater China region for the past quarter, Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, still faces challenges in the evolving market, with fierce competition from domestic mobile manufacturers and internet companies developing AI features and agent ecosystems.