China’s cyberspace regulator confirmed on Wednesday that Apple Intelligence had been registered for use in the country, a key requirement before generative AI services can be made available to the public.
Under China’s regulations, companies offering large language models and generative AI services must first register their technology with authorities before launching them commercially.
The approval could strengthen Apple’s position in China, where customers have been anticipating the arrival of Apple Intelligence since the company introduced its AI-powered features.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Alibaba and Baidu to support Apple’s AI features
As part of efforts to comply with China’s regulatory requirements, Apple is expected to integrate locally developed AI models into Apple Intelligence features for Chinese users.
A source familiar with the matter said Apple Intelligence would include capabilities from AI models developed by Chinese technology firms Baidu and Alibaba.
Alibaba confirmed in a statement to Reuters that its Qwen artificial intelligence model would be integrated into Apple Intelligence across Apple’s major operating systems in China.
The company said Qwen will support Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro platforms running iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS respectively.
Meanwhile, a Baidu spokesperson confirmed that the company is also working with Apple to develop Apple Intelligence features specifically for Chinese iPhone users.
The cyberspace regulator’s announcement, however, did not provide a specific launch date for the service in China.
Move comes as Apple seeks stronger position in China
The approval arrives at a crucial time for Apple as the company works to maintain its competitiveness in China’s highly competitive smartphone market.
Apple recently reported a 24.4 per cent year-on-year increase in iPhone shipments in China during the second quarter, suggesting renewed momentum in the region.
The introduction of Apple Intelligence could further support the company’s efforts by offering Chinese consumers AI-powered tools tailored to local requirements and regulatory standards.
ZTE’s AI smartphone also receives approval
Separately, China’s cyberspace regulator also registered Nubia-Doubao, an artificial intelligence-focused smartphone model developed by ZTE’s Nubia brand in partnership with ByteDance.
Nubia, a smartphone brand owned by telecom equipment manufacturer ZTE, has been working with ByteDance to develop the AI-powered device, which incorporates the company’s Doubao artificial intelligence technology.
The approvals highlight China’s growing focus on regulating and promoting domestic AI development while allowing global technology companies to introduce AI-powered products through partnerships with local firms.