Apple has reportedly completed training its China-specific large language model (LLM), according to a new report. The model will use Alibaba’s Qwen AI technology to power Apple Intelligence features in China.
Apple selected Alibaba last year to support its AI services in the Chinese market. The partnership is now moving closer to a wider rollout, with Apple expected to bring the new features to users in the coming months.
The development could mark an important step for Apple in China. The company would reportedly become the first foreign company approved by Chinese regulators to offer a proprietary AI model in the country. Apple Intelligence features designed for China are expected to arrive through a future software update. They will be available across the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro.
Apple has also started giving users more information about the setup. Earlier this week, the company published a guide explaining how Mac users in China can connect Alibaba’s Qwen model with Siri. The partnership also changes Apple’s broader AI strategy. Outside China, Apple has relied on models from companies such as Google, OpenAI and Anthropic for several AI features.
In China, however, Apple needs to work within local rules and use approved AI technology. Its partnership with Alibaba gives the company a way to bring Apple Intelligence to the market while meeting those requirements.
The upcoming rollout will show how Apple’s AI features perform in China and how closely they match the experience available in other markets.
