Apple has received approval to launch Apple Intelligence in China, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for its generative AI services in one of its most important markets. China’s Cyberspace Administration approved the service after Apple agreed to integrate Alibaba’s Qwen model into Apple Intelligence features for Chinese users.
Alibaba confirmed to CNBC that Qwen will be integrated into Apple Intelligence experiences across iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS. The company said the integration will support AI capabilities including text and image understanding and generation.
The approval gives Apple a path to bring its AI features to China after delays caused by the country’s generative AI rules. China requires AI services offered to the public to pass regulatory review and operate through approved local partners.
Apple Turns to Local AI Partners
Apple had reportedly explored partnerships with several Chinese AI companies before settling on Alibaba’s Qwen. Reuters reported that Apple also worked with Baidu as it sought to meet China’s regulatory requirements for large language models and generative AI services.
The partnership is important because most foreign AI models are not directly available in China. For Apple, using local models allows it to offer AI features while meeting domestic rules on data processing, content controls and model approval.
Apple Intelligence first launched outside China in 2024, but the lack of Chinese approval left Apple behind domestic smartphone rivals such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo, which have been adding AI features to their devices. The approval could help Apple close that gap in the world’s largest smartphone market.
Apple’s latest quarterly results showed total revenue of $111.2 billion for the March quarter. Reuters reported that Greater China revenue reached about $20.5 billion, helped by stronger iPhone demand.
China Remains Critical for Apple
Apple recently regained the No. 2 position in China’s smartphone market after discounting during a major shopping festival, according to Reuters. The launch of Apple Intelligence could give the company another tool to support upgrades and defend its high-end market share.
Alibaba shares rose after news of the approval and partnership. Investors viewed the deal as a validation of Qwen and a sign that Alibaba can play a larger role in China’s consumer AI ecosystem.
Neither Apple nor Alibaba has provided a public launch date for Apple Intelligence in China. Alibaba said only that Qwen would be integrated into the experience, while Reuters reported that the registration signals an upcoming launch.
The approval marks a significant step for Apple’s AI strategy. It also shows how global technology companies must increasingly localize AI services in China, where regulatory approval, domestic infrastructure and local model partnerships are required before major consumer AI tools can reach users.
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