Apple builds dedicated AI model for china with alibaba

Apple has developed its own large language model for the Chinese market in partnership with Alibaba, Reuters reported from three sources involved in the effort. The move departs from the tech giant’s earlier approach, which relied on existing Chinese models to add generative AI capabilities to its devices sold in China.

Until now Apple has had to use locally sourced models because U.S. models it employs elsewhere, including ChatGPT from OpenAI, are blocked in China. An independent model gives the company tighter control over the product in the competitive Chinese smartphone market and lets it bypass dependence on third-party local providers.

The main regulatory hurdle was cleared last month when Apple registered its on-device generative AI service with the Cyberspace Administration of China. Sources say the launch of Apple Intelligence in China is expected "in the coming months after an iOS update". If it proceeds, Apple would become the first U.S. company approved to run its own proprietary AI model in the country.

China’s requirement for early registration and approval of every AI model before public release makes the achievement especially significant amid a thaw in tensions between Beijing and Washington over AI development. The partnership with Alibaba is notable in a landscape where cross-border tech collaborations between the two powers are diminishing. Apple did not respond to a request from The Verge for comment, and Alibaba has not issued an official statement at this time.