Apple Trains Its Own AI Model for China Market, With Alibaba's Help

Reuters reported that Apple, in collaboration with Alibaba, has trained its own AI model for the Chinese market. The model will be available to owners of a wide range of Apple devices in China, not just Mac computers. The partnership was first revealed in February last year by Alibaba's executive chairman Joe Tsai at a summit in Dubai. Last month, Chinese regulators allowed Apple to operate in the Chinese AI market, a unique precedent for a foreign company, enabling Apple Intelligence to debut fully on iPhones sold in China. In addition to integrating Alibaba's Qwen AI model, Apple has also adapted technologies from rival Baidu for its Chinese customers. However, Reuters emphasizes that Apple directly trained the AI model for the Chinese market, with participation from Chinese partners, whereas in Western markets it has preferred to license ready-made AI models. Apple becomes the first foreign company permitted by Chinese authorities to release a proprietary AI model locally.