Apple has officially selected Alibaba as its AI services partner in China, Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai confirmed at the World Government Summit in Dubai.
This collaboration marks a significant step in bringing Apple Intelligence to Chinese users.
Tsai revealed that Apple had engaged in discussions with several Chinese tech giants, including Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent, before ultimately choosing Alibaba. “They talked to a number of companies in China.
In the end, they chose to do business with us. They want to use our AI to power their phones. We feel extremely honored to do business with a great company like Apple,” Tsai stated.
Apple Intelligence Finally Coming to China
China’s strict regulations require AI services to obtain government-issued permits, which are only granted to local companies.
This legal framework has previously prevented Apple Intelligence from launching in the country. With Alibaba now on board, Apple is set to introduce its AI-powered features to Chinese consumers in the near future.
Alibaba’s expertise in cloud computing and artificial intelligence makes it a strategic partner for Apple. The collaboration is expected to enhance Apple’s ecosystem within China, offering seamless AI-driven experiences across its devices.
Why Alibaba Was Chosen
While Apple explored options with multiple companies, Alibaba’s robust AI capabilities and existing government approvals likely played a key role in securing the partnership. Notably, Apple did not opt for DeepSeek, a rising name in AI technology.
What This Means for Apple Users in China
With this partnership, Chinese Apple users can soon expect access to AI-driven features, similar to those available in other regions. This move is crucial for Apple as it strengthens its position in one of its largest markets.
As Apple and Alibaba finalize their integration, more details regarding the rollout of Apple Intelligence in China are expected to emerge. For now, the partnership signals a new era of AI-powered Apple devices in the country.