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August 15, 2026
Apple has developed a China-specific AI model with Alibaba’s support as it prepares to launch Apple Intelligence in the country.
Apple has developed and trained a large language model specifically for the Chinese market with technical support from Alibaba Group, according to three people familiar with the matter, marking a shift in the company’s approach to artificial intelligence in China.
The development comes as Apple prepares to introduce its Apple Intelligence suite to users in mainland China following regulatory approval for its generative AI services. The China-specific model could give the company greater control over how its AI features operate in one of its most important international markets.
Apple had previously relied primarily on Chinese technology companies to provide the underlying AI models required for its devices in the country. Its domestic arrangements have included Alibaba’s Qwen model, while Baidu has also been involved in efforts to bring Apple Intelligence to Chinese users.
The new model was developed in collaboration with Alibaba, with the Chinese technology group providing technical assistance during the training process, the sources said. They requested anonymity because the details have not been publicly disclosed.
Apple and Alibaba did not immediately comment on the development.
The company’s move follows regulatory hurdles surrounding the deployment of generative AI services in China. The Cyberspace Administration of China registered Apple’s generative AI service last month, clearing an important obstacle for Apple Intelligence to become available on compatible devices in the country.
Apple is expected to introduce the service through an upcoming iOS update in the coming months. The rollout is expected to cover compatible iPhones and other Apple devices, although the precise role of Apple’s internally trained model alongside Alibaba and other Chinese AI systems remains unclear.
The China-specific approach could also help Apple respond to intensifying competition from domestic smartphone manufacturers. Companies such as Huawei have increasingly incorporated AI capabilities into their devices, while Apple has faced pressure in China as its AI features have lagged behind those available on competing handsets.
Apple’s partnership with Alibaba was first publicly disclosed in early 2025, when Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai said the companies had agreed to work together on AI services for Apple’s Chinese market.
The latest development highlights the different AI strategies Apple must pursue across markets. While the company uses its own technology alongside third-party models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT in some countries, regulatory restrictions in China have required a more locally adapted approach.
The extent to which Apple’s new model will replace or complement existing third-party systems remains uncertain.
