In an interview with the Shanghai edition of The Paper, Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said the company will make a beta version of its artificial intelligence service, Apple Intelligence, available to users in China in October.
According to Cook, the beta will include features such as live translation, writing and editing assistance, and image cleanup. However, the AI‑enhanced Siri is not yet included in the package.
Local large language model and partnership
Apple has developed a China‑specific large language model for the market, marking a departure from its approach in other countries where it relies on models provided by external developers. The model was developed jointly with Alibaba Group and trained with the support of the Chinese technology company.
Regulatory approval and meetings in Shanghai
China’s cybersecurity authority approved registration of Apple Intelligence for use on iPhone devices in July. During his visit to Shanghai, Tim Cook met with Vang Ventao, China’s commerce minister, to discuss artificial intelligence development and Apple’s business operations in China.
The move signals a significant step for Apple in deploying locally tailored AI capabilities within China, combining a domestically oriented model and regulatory clearance, while some features remain excluded from the initial rollout.
