Apple AI tools arrives in China after 2-year delay
BEIJING: Apple began yesterday a long-delayed trial rollout of in-house artificial intelligence tools for Chinese users, playing catch-up to homegrown smartphone makers in a major market for the US giant.
Apple initiated a delayed trial launch of its own artificial intelligence tools for Chinese users on Wednesday, catching up to local competitors in the significant market. The on-device features, known as Apple Intelligence, were first introduced in the United States and other countries in autumn 2024, marking Apple's first major move into generative AI.
However, Chinese regulatory requirements for the rapidly advancing technology delayed its launch there, along with the unavailability of models from Google and OpenAI, which Apple has utilized elsewhere to enhance its AI capabilities. Apple plans to collaborate with Chinese partner Alibaba's Qwen to incorporate more robust AI features into devices alongside its basic AI offerings.
The trial rollout, initially limited to developers, will provide public access to Apple Intelligence services in China in December. This rollout fills a long-standing gap in Apple's AI offering, according to Ivan Lam, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. However, it does not necessarily grant Apple a significant advantage in the competitive market.
The initial release includes 18 AI features, such as live translation of phone calls and tools for summarizing and proofreading messages, but lacks the latest update to iPhone assistant Siri. Chinese regulations necessitated Apple's registration with the country's internet watchdog and the use of local data centers and domestic processing.
Apple secured regulatory approval in July, after discussions with Chinese tech firms such as Alibaba, Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent about partnerships for Apple Intelligence. Major US AI companies, including Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, have either barred Chinese users or restricted service access and are unlikely to obtain regulatory clearance.
Working with local partners for Apple Intelligence signifies a structural concession by Apple regarding its pricing and control over the AI experience in the Chinese market, stated Zhang Yi, founder of research firm iiMedia. Despite reporting a 21% increase in revenue in the Greater China region, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, for the past quarter, Apple's new CEO John Ternus faces considerable challenges in the evolving market.
Omdia research firm notes that over 110 million iPhones in China can support Apple Intelligence, providing a solid foundation for rapid adoption, but fierce competition exists among Chinese mobile phone manufacturers and internet companies developing AI features and agent ecosystems.
Written by urgent.news from Bangkok Post Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
