Apple's custom AI model for China, dubbed Apple Intelligence, is nearing its launch, powered by Alibaba's Qwen AI. This marks a significant step as Apple is set to be the first foreign company to receive regulatory approval for a proprietary AI model in the country.

Training for the China-specific LLM has been finalized, according to a report from Reuters. The new features are anticipated to roll out in the coming months through a software update for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro users.

This development signifies a shift in Apple's AI strategy. Previously, the company relied on third-party models from providers like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. However, for its Chinese market, Apple has partnered with Alibaba, with a recent guide detailing how Mac users can integrate Alibaba's Qwen model with Siri. The launch is expected to coincide with future software updates, potentially around late 2024 or early 2025.