Apple is reportedly developing its own custom large language model for China, a shift from its usual strategy of using third-party AI models. This new approach, supported by Alibaba, aims to bring AI features to Chinese users, as models like ChatGPT and Claude are not available in mainland China.

This development follows Alibaba's confirmation of a partnership with Apple in February 2025. While previous reports suggested the incorporation of Alibaba's Qwen model and Baidu's technology, it is now understood that Apple is training its own model. The exact integration of this new model with potential third-party technologies remains unclear.

Apple Intelligence is slated for release in China in the coming months, following an iOS update. This contrasts with the public launch of Apple's revamped AI-powered Siri with iOS 27 this fall in other regions, initially supporting English variants. Availability in the EU for iPhone and iPad has been delayed, and China's specific timeline is yet to be confirmed.