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Apple is developing and training its own large language model for the Chinese market with support from Alibaba, according to three people familiar with the matter. The move marks a shift in Apple's approach to bringing advanced software features to China, where the company has previously relied more heavily on technology from local partners.
The China-focused model is being developed in partnership with Alibaba, which is helping Apple with the training process. The development came as the company prepared to introduce its Apple Intelligence suite on compatible devices in mainland China in the coming months.
Apple previously worked with Chinese technology companies to adapt its services for the country's market. Alibaba's Qwen model is expected to be incorporated into the Chinese version of Apple Intelligence. Apple has also been working with Baidu on related technology.
Developing a model of its own could give Apple greater control over the features and user experience offered on iPhones and other devices in China. It could also help the company tailor its software more closely to local requirements.
China is particularly important for Apple, both as a major sales market and as a key part of its global supply chain. The company has faced increasing competition from domestic smartphone manufacturers, including Huawei, which have expanded their own AI-powered handset offerings.
Apple's plans came after a lengthy regulatory process. China's Cyberspace Administration recently registered Apple's generative AI service, clearing an important hurdle for the rollout of Apple Intelligence in the country.
Under the current arrangement, Apple's China version of Apple Intelligence is expected to use Alibaba's technology alongside other locally developed systems. The company also published and subsequently removed a Chinese-language guide explaining how certain Mac users could connect Alibaba's Qwen technology to Siri and Writing Tools.
The development is notable since access to foreign technology and services in China's AI market is subject to strict regulatory requirements. If Apple's own model receives the necessary approvals, the company could gain greater flexibility over its China-specific software strategy.
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Apple first confirmed its partnership with Alibaba in February 2025, when Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai said the two companies would work together to bring AI capabilities to Apple devices in China. The rollout was subsequently delayed as Apple worked to meet local regulatory requirements.
It remains unclear how Apple's internally trained model will operate alongside Alibaba's Qwen and other third-party systems. However, the development signals Apple's determination to strengthen its position in China's increasingly competitive smartphone market.
For Apple, bringing more control over its AI technology could be an important step as it attempts to close the gap with Chinese rivals and expand Apple Intelligence to one of its most strategically important overseas markets.
