iOS 27.3 beta brings Apple Intelligence to China, built on Alibaba's Qwen models
Writing Tools, Visual Intelligence and Siri features arrive for users in mainland China, but the new Siri AI and other iOS 27 features are not included; a public release is expected in December.
Why it matters
Apple Intelligence has not been available in mainland China, where generative AI services need government approval, and Apple chose Alibaba's Qwen models to power the local version. The arrangement was announced last week; today's iOS 27.3 beta is the first build that switches the features on for Chinese users. The new Siri AI and other iOS 27 features are still missing. Watch for the public release, expected in December, and whether the gap with other markets narrows.
Key facts
- Features: Writing Tools, Visual Intelligence, Siri features
- Powered by Alibaba's Qwen models
- New Siri AI and other iOS 27 features not included
- Public release expected in December