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Apple is said to be collaborating with Alibaba to jointly develop artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities for the iPhone and other devices specifically in China. According to reports, the tech powerhouse from Cupertino explored various companies with a focus on AI before ultimately choosing Alibaba. The two have worked together to create several AI features tailored to meet the preferences of Apple’s users in China, and they are currently seeking approval from regulatory authorities. There is no timeline available for when these AI capabilities might be launched in the region.
Earlier this month, another report suggested that Apple had also contemplated partnering with DeepSeek. The Information indicated that Apple has officially chosen Alibaba as its partner for AI initiatives in China, planning to integrate AI functionalities into its devices. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that Apple has collaborated with Alibaba to develop these AI features.
While specific details regarding the AI functionalities have not been disclosed, it was noted that they have been submitted to China's cyberspace regulator for evaluation. It is important to mention that any AI system or feature must receive government approval before being operational in the country. The decision to collaborate with Alibaba stems from the vast amount of consumer data the e-commerce giant possesses, including insights into users’ shopping and payment behaviors. Apple believes that this data will enable them to create more personalized AI applications and services.
In the past, Apple had also considered Baidu for this role, but it appears the company was dissatisfied with Baidu’s advancement in developing AI frameworks for Apple Intelligence. Along with Alibaba and Baidu, Apple had also evaluated Tencent, ByteDance (the parent company of TikTok), and DeepSeek. Ultimately, DeepSeek was not selected due to concerns about its limited workforce and lack of experience capable of supporting Apple’s extensive customer base.
Recently, Apple introduced some Apple Intelligence features in the European Union (EU). Presently, China remains the only market where the iPhone 16 lineup is available without any AI functionalities—one of the key features of these smartphones. This absence has reportedly resulted in a decline in sales during the crucial December quarter, which is considered the most significant period for sales for the company.
