Apple AI Approved for China | Alibaba Qwen Provides Model

Apple Intelligence has officially been approved for entry into China, using Alibaba's Tongyi Qianwen plus Tongyi Wanxiang, with a beta version rolling out by the end of October (confirmed by Tim Cook in Shanghai on 10/15), and an official launch by the end of the year. The timing is impeccable: Apple's first foldable iPhone Duo goes on sale in China on October 23, and AI is one of its flagship selling points.

Apple Intelligence: US vs. China Status Comparison

🔹 Key Approval Details

 

The approved models include the Tongyi Qianwen (Qwen) large language model series, as well as Tongyi Wanxiang AI image and video generation tools. This means Alibaba will officially replace OpenAI and Google as Apple's core partner for handling complex queries in mainland China.

Regional Version	Underlying AI Model	Main Partner
US Version	Apple Intelligence	OpenAI / Google
China Version	Tongyi Qianwen / Tongyi Wanxiang	Alibaba

🔹 New Device Launch Timeline

 

The updated filing documents now cover network access permits for the iPhone Duo and 18 Pro. The iPhone Duo is set to officially launch in China on October 19. The newly improved Siri AI will serve as a core selling point of this flagship model, aiming to deliver a more Chinese-context-appropriate interactive experience through the localization advantages of Alibaba's models.

Currently, most Apple Intelligence features are already available in Hong Kong, while the mainland has been delayed until now due to complex privacy legal procedures. Alibaba Qwen's integration marks Apple's completion of the final piece in its fastest-growing market. Do you think Siri powered by domestic large models can surpass the US version in localized applications?