Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) has trained its own large language model specifically for the Chinese market with assistance from Alibaba (NYSE:BABA), Reuters reported on Friday, signalling a change in the technology giant’s approach to introducing artificial intelligence services in China.
The development could give Apple greater control over its AI technology as it prepares to bring Apple Intelligence to Chinese users. It could also help the company comply with strict domestic regulations while competing more effectively against local smartphone manufacturers such as Huawei.
According to three people familiar with the matter cited by Reuters, Apple developed the China-focused model in collaboration with Alibaba. The iPhone maker had previously been expected to rely more heavily on AI models supplied by Chinese technology companies.
Alibaba Qwen set to support Apple Intelligence
Under an arrangement approved last month by China’s Cyberspace Administration, Alibaba’s Qwen model is expected to be integrated into Apple Intelligence on compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs and Vision Pro devices sold in China.
Reuters reported that technology supplied by Baidu is also expected to form part of Apple’s AI offering in the country.
These partnerships are important because foreign technology companies must comply with China’s regulatory framework for generative AI services, making locally approved technology a key component of Apple’s strategy.
Apple’s decision to develop its own model alongside these partnerships suggests the company is pursuing a more flexible approach rather than relying entirely on third-party AI providers.
Apple adopts dual-track AI strategy in China
A proprietary China-specific model could allow Apple to combine its own artificial intelligence technology with systems from locally approved partners.
Such an approach could help the company satisfy regulatory requirements while preserving more control over how Apple Intelligence functions across its devices and how users interact with AI-powered features.
The precise role of Apple’s internally trained model alongside Alibaba’s Qwen, Baidu technology and other potential third-party systems has yet to be determined, according to Reuters.
However, the development indicates that Apple is seeking greater technological independence within the constraints of China’s tightly regulated AI market.
Apple Intelligence prepares for China launch
Apple Intelligence is expected to become available in China in the coming months following regulatory approval.
Apple has already begun testing elements of its collaboration with Alibaba. Eligible Mac users in mainland China have reportedly been given the ability to connect Alibaba’s Qwen service with Siri and Writing Tools.
The rollout would address a significant gap in Apple’s current product offering, as Chinese users have so far been unable to access the full range of Apple Intelligence capabilities available in some other markets.
Apple seeks to strengthen its position against Chinese rivals
The expansion of Apple’s AI capabilities comes as the company attempts to regain momentum in the highly competitive Chinese smartphone market.
Domestic manufacturers have moved rapidly to introduce generative AI tools and other intelligent features across their devices, increasing competitive pressure on the iPhone.
The absence of Apple Intelligence on Chinese iPhones has been cited as one factor limiting Apple’s ability to compete with local brands offering increasingly sophisticated AI capabilities.
By combining its own model with technology from Alibaba and potentially Baidu, Apple could accelerate the introduction of locally compliant AI services while maintaining greater influence over its broader software ecosystem.
Reuters said it remains unclear exactly how Apple’s self-trained model will ultimately operate alongside Qwen and other third-party technologies once Apple Intelligence is fully introduced in China.
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