Apple has received regulatory approval to launch Apple Intelligence on iPhones in China after the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) formally registered the generative AI service. The approval clears a key regulatory requirement, allowing Apple to introduce its AI features in one of its largest international markets, although the company has not announced an official rollout date.
Unlike the global version, which integrates OpenAI's ChatGPT for certain requests, Apple Intelligence in China will rely on domestic AI providers to comply with local regulations. Alibaba has confirmed its Qwen large language model will power Apple Intelligence across iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS in China, while Baidu is expected to provide technology for Visual Intelligence features. Chinese regulations require all generative AI services to undergo security reviews and algorithm registration before public release.
Approval Ends Nearly Two-Year Delay
The clearance follows months of regulatory scrutiny that kept Apple Intelligence unavailable in China after its global debut in October 2024. Apple partnered with Alibaba in 2025 to adapt the service for China's regulatory framework, including content filtering requirements. CEO Tim Cook had previously said the company was working to bring Apple Intelligence to China but did not provide a launch timeline.
The approval comes as Apple faces growing competition from Chinese smartphone makers including Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo, all of which have expanded AI capabilities in recent years. Industry analysts have pointed to the absence of Apple Intelligence as one factor affecting the iPhone's competitiveness in China.
With regulatory approval now secured, Apple is expected to launch the feature in the country in the coming months, potentially alongside its next iPhone lineup.
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