Apple & Alibaba: China AI Model Collaboration Confirmed

Apple has trained a large language model for China with support from Alibaba. This collaboration could make Apple the first foreign company to operate its own proprietary AI model in China. The Cyberspace Administration of China registered Apple’s generative AI service last month, clearing a key regulatory hurdle. Apple plans to pair its model with Alibaba’s Qwen and technology from Baidu. Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai confirmed the arrangement in February 2025, stating Apple chose them after speaking with several companies. Apple Intelligence is expected to reach Chinese iPhones through an iOS update in the coming months. This development is significant as it could bring advanced AI features to a major market.