Apple Intelligence could finally reach China with the iOS 27.3 update, expected in December. According to Bloomberg, the update will bring Apple’s AI features to the Chinese market after years of delays.
Apple first announced Apple Intelligence in 2024 alongside iOS 18. However, regulatory hurdles have kept the service unavailable in China and the European Union (EU). The upcoming release could resolve one of these restrictions.
In China, Apple will rely on Alibaba’s Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang AI models. The company uses Google’s Gemini to power its AI features in Western markets. Its partnership with Alibaba allows Apple to offer AI services that meet China’s local requirements.
Qwen is a general-purpose AI model expected to support most Apple Intelligence features in China. However, the iOS 27.3 update reportedly will not include the new AI-powered Siri. Some apps will also face restrictions on text generation due to local regulations.
Alibaba’s Tongyi Wanxiang model focuses on image and video generation. It will support image editing tasks within Apple Intelligence. However, Chinese regulations will prevent Apple from launching Image Playground in the country.
As a result, Apple Intelligence in China will offer fewer features than its US version. Still, China is not the only market facing these limitations, as Apple’s AI rollout remains restricted in the EU.
Apple has yet to bring Siri AI to iPhones, iPads, and watches in the EU. However, the company’s September 2026 software update announcement outlined a limited exception for other devices.
According to Apple, Mac and Apple Vision Pro users in the EU will be able to access Siri AI when using a supported language. The company confirmed that Siri AI will initially remain unavailable on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS in the region.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says users should not expect Siri AI to arrive in China or the EU anytime soon. This suggests that Apple’s broader AI rollout will continue to depend on regional rules and restrictions.
