Apple is creating a China-specific version of Siri powered by a bespoke large language model developed in collaboration with Alibaba, marking a significant shift in how foreign tech firms adapt to Chinese AI regulations.
Apple is preparing a China-specific version of Siri built around a new large language model developed with Alibaba’s help, according to Reuters. The plan marks a clear shift from Apple’s earlier approach of leaning on domestic models already in the market, and it reflects how tightly the company must now tailor its artificial intelligence products to Chinese rules.
Reuters reported that Apple has trained its own model for use in China rather than simply adopting an off-the-shelf Alibaba system. The strategy is designed to support Apple Intelligence in a market where foreign AI services face heavy scrutiny and where regulators have pressed Apple to remove reliance on overseas providers such as ChatGPT for device features sold in the country.
The arrangement gives Apple a route to bring generative AI to Chinese iPhones while complying with local approval requirements. Reuters said Apple expects the rollout to begin in the coming months, with the company using a dual-track approach to navigate the regulatory barriers that have limited many US technology firms in China. The move would make Apple the first foreign company cleared by Chinese authorities to offer a proprietary AI model in the country.
Earlier reports had suggested Apple would rely on Alibaba’s Qwen model directly, and TechCrunch reported that Apple Intelligence had already been approved for launch in China with Qwen integrated across Apple’s operating systems. But the Reuters account indicates that Apple is now pursuing a more customised system. Separate reports have also suggested Apple has recruited members of the original Qwen team to help improve Siri’s Chinese-language capabilities, including functions such as image understanding and voice-based task handling.
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