Apple has trained its own AI model for the Chinese market
Apple has cheated on Google and has reportedly trained its own AI model for the Chinese market. According to a Reuters report, the company won’t rely on a third-party LLM to power Apple Intelligence in its second-largest market. This is a break from Apple’s strategy of relying on local models to provide AI to its Chinese customers.
Still, the company joined a partnership with Alibaba for the development of the localized AI model, which was trained with the Chinese tech giant’s support. There are no further details about the specifics of this support, but Apple and Alibaba have been working together since early last year.
Which iOS 27 update you're most excited about?
Coming to Chinese iPhones soon
Apple Intelligence will get a swath of new features this year. | Image by Apple
Apple is gearing up to finally launch Apple Intelligence in China, after a two-year delay. This is probably going to happen with the launch of iOS 27, as sources told Reuters that the features are launching “in the coming months after an update to its iOS operating system.”
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This also comes after Apple gained regulatory approval from China’s Cyberspace Administration last month. The approval marked the clearing of a major regulatory hurdle, allowing the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra to turn into Apple’s first devices with AI features in the country.
If Chinese Siri manages to work like the version available to iOS 27 beta users, Apple may have a chance to enjoy success in its second most important market. Users on Reddit have been largely impressed by the context awareness and the speed of the new Siri.
Users on Reddit are impressed with Siri AI. | Image by Reddit (Screenshot
Just on time
With the Chinese smartphone market declining, Apple still managed to record growth and cement itself in second place. I wouldn’t be surprised if the combination of a nice refresh and a localized AI turns out to be the correct formula for an even better outcome for the iPhone 18 Pro.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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