Apple starts China trial of Apple Intelligence with Alibaba's Qwen after two-year delay
The developer-only rollout began on 4 November with 18 features such as call translation and message summaries, but not the new Siri; public access is due in December.
Why it matters
Apple Intelligence launched in the US and other markets in autumn 2024, but Chinese rules requiring registration with the internet regulator and local data processing kept it out of China, and the Google and OpenAI models Apple uses elsewhere are unavailable there. Apple won approval only in July and is pairing its own on-device features with Alibaba's Qwen. Analysts say the launch fills a gap but gives Apple no clear edge over Chinese phone makers that already ship AI. The December public release is the next test.
Key facts
- Developer-only trial began 4 November
- Public access due in December
- 18 features at launch; new Siri not included
- Partner model: Alibaba's Qwen
- Chinese regulatory approval came in July
- Launched in the US in autumn 2024