Apple reportedly trained a China-specific AI model with Alibaba’s help

Apple has developed a China-focused large language model in partnership with Alibaba, Reuters sources told The Verge. The collaboration is described as a rare cross-border effort amid rising US–China tensions. Historically, Apple relied on domestic Chinese models to provide generative AI features in devices sold in China, since US models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT are unavailable there.

The report comes as Apple prepares to roll out Apple Intelligence in China “in the coming months after an update to its iOS operating system,” according to the sources. Apple recently registered the on-device generative AI service with China’s cyberspace regulator, a prerequisite for public release under local rules.

Developing its own model would give Apple greater control over product features and regulatory compliance in China, where AI models must be registered and approved before public release. Reuters characterized this as the first instance of a US company offering a proprietary AI model in China, pending approval.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment from The Verge.