Bloomberg reported that Apple plans to release Apple Intelligence in mainland China in December as part of the iOS 27.3 update. Apple was trending Thursday following the report. According to Investing.com, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter, that the launch will include features first available in the U.S. two years ago on the iPhone, iPad and Mac. The reported December release will exclude the new Siri AI assistant and other features Apple announced this year.
Apple received preliminary approval in July to introduce Apple Intelligence in China. Apple recently held further discussions with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology about clearance for a consumer launch. The rollout follows years of preparation and several delays. Apple initially expected a release in May 2025. Apple then postponed the release to the end of 2025 and again to spring 2026 while awaiting government approval in China. Apple has not confirmed a launch date.
China restricts foreign AI technology, so Apple has partnered with local companies. Alibaba confirmed in July that Alibaba's Qwen model will power Apple Intelligence features for users in China. Baidu is reportedly handling search and some Siri features. Bloomberg reported that Apple and Alibaba built safeguards that include a process for the government to approve ongoing model updates.
The South China Morning Post reported that updated network access permits from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology were completed September 29. The permits list Apple Intelligence alongside Alibaba's Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang models for the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and earlier iPhones.
Tech Times reported that Apple's Greater China revenue rose 22.4% from a year earlier to $18.8 billion in Apple's fiscal third quarter, which ended in June. Apple Intelligence has been absent from the market since the features debuted globally. AppleInsider noted that whether the launch will help iPhone sales in China remains uncertain because local competitors ship phones with more capable AI models.
Benzinga Pro data showed Apple shares trading 0.76% higher at $345.58 at the time of publication.
Apple Intelligence Reportedly Nears China Debut in December via iOS 27.3
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Summary
Apple is set to debut Apple Intelligence in China in December via iOS 27.3, according to Bloomberg, with the feature set to include AI tools first launched in the U.S. two years ago. The new AI + crypto news move excludes the latest Siri AI and other 2024 features. Apple secured preliminary approval in July and recently met with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Alibaba’s Qwen model will power Apple Intelligence in China, with Baidu handling search and some Siri tasks. Updated network access permits were finalized on September 29, aligning Apple’s AI with local regulations. This rollout reflects shifting industry trends in China’s AI space. Apple’s revenue in Greater China rose 22.4% year-over-year in Q3, but whether the launch will boost iPhone sales remains unclear amid strong local competition.
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