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5h ago

China Approves Apple Intelligence Using Alibaba’s Qwen for iPhones

Regulatory registration removes a key barrier so Apple can use domestic AI models to deliver on-device generative features in China with no public rollout date announced.

iPhones are displayed at an Apple store in Mumbai, India, June 29, 2026. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
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Apple Intelligence Cleared In China: Everything You Need To Know (Image credit: AI-generated)
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Overview

  • China’s Cyberspace Administration registered Apple Intelligence on July 15, 2026, formally clearing the service to operate on iPhones in the country.
  • Alibaba confirmed its Qwen (Tongyi Qianwen) large‑language model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence across iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS for Chinese users.
  • Baidu is also reported to be contributing models for specific features, reflecting Apple’s requirement to use local AI providers under Chinese rules.
  • Markets moved on the news: Alibaba’s U.S.‑listed shares rose roughly 4–6% after the confirmation, while Apple shares ticked higher.
  • Apple is working on technical steps to run Qwen on-device, including reported early talks with PrismML to compress models so recent iPhones can run them without cloud connections, but Apple has not set a consumer launch date.