Apple has been in talks with multiple Chinese companies to form partnerships for offering AI services in China. According to a new report, the tech giant has chosen Alibaba over other potential partners, including the rising AI company DeepSeek, which has generated significant buzz in recent weeks.
Back in December, the company was reportedly also in discussions with Tencent and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to secure an AI collaboration. Additionally, rumors suggested conversations with Baidu had taken place in the past. Despite these options, Alibaba ultimately emerged as the preferred partner.
The need for a local Chinese partner is critical to offering AI features, as the Chinese government must approve any generative AI services within the country. Furthermore, the government typically favors local companies when granting approval, which is why the company’s flagship AI software—Apple Intelligence—has yet to be made available in China.
However, the long-awaited AI debut in China might be closer than expected. According to the report, the company and Alibaba have already submitted a first set of co-developed AI features for approval by China’s cyberspace regulator. While the timeline for approval remains uncertain, the company is keen to push forward with its plans. The delay in launching its AI software in China, one of the company’s largest markets, has been a significant setback, especially as AI continues to play a larger role in global technology development.
The partnership with Alibaba marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to bring its cutting-edge AI technology to Chinese consumers, with a potential launch pending the completion of regulatory approval. This collaboration highlights the critical importance of navigating local regulations and fostering strong relationships with domestic players to thrive in the Chinese market.
