Apple Develops a Custom AI Model for China with Alibaba

Apple registered its on-device generative AI service in China last month, a step mandated by local regulations before any rollout. If the authorization is granted, Apple would become the first American company to offer a proprietary AI model in the country. At the same time, the company has reportedly trained a large language model tailored for the Chinese market with the support of Alibaba and is preparing to launch Apple Intelligence following an iOS update.

Registration Approved in China and the Prospect of an American First

Apple officially registered its on-device generative AI service with the Chinese cyberspace regulator last month, removing a major regulatory hurdle for deployment on devices. In China, AI models must be registered and approved by the government before being made available to the public. The outcome of this process would make Apple the first American company authorized to offer a proprietary AI model in the country.

A Large Language Model Designed for China with Alibaba's Support

Apple has reportedly trained a custom AI model for the Chinese market with the help of Alibaba. This large language model focused on China was developed in partnership with Alibaba, and its training benefited from the group's support. This information comes from three unnamed individuals familiar with the matter.

Launch of Apple Intelligence and a Shift from Past Practices

Apple is preparing to launch Apple Intelligence in China. This launch is expected to occur in the coming months following an iOS update, according to sources. This move marks a departure from Apple’s previous strategy in the country: the company had previously relied on domestic models to offer generative AI on its devices sold in China, while the American models it uses elsewhere, such as ChatGPT from OpenAI, have not been available in this market.