Apple Turns to Alibaba to Help Build AI Model for China
Apple reportedly trained an AI model for China with help from Alibaba to speed up the rollout of Apple Intelligence in the country. China’s cyberspace regulator has registered Apple’s generative AI service, removing a major regulatory barrier that has blocked ChatGPT and Claude in China. Alibaba’s Joe Tsai confirmed Apple chose to work with Alibaba after speaking with several Chinese companies. Apple is expected to combine its model with Alibaba’s Qwen and possibly Baidu technology, though each system’s role is still unclear. Apple Intelligence could reach Chinese iPhones through an iOS update in the coming months. The move comes as Apple lags in AI after delays, weak reception for Apple Intelligence, a shift toward using Google’s Gemini for Foundation Models, a $250 million settlement over misleading AI claims, and stronger competition from Chinese rivals like Huawei.
