Apple NASDAQ:AAPL secured regulatory approval to bring Apple Intelligence to iPhones in China, clearing a major hurdle in one of its most important markets.
The service will use capabilities from Alibaba's Qwen models and Baidu technology NASDAQ:BIDU, according to Reuters. Alibaba said Qwen will support Apple Intelligence across iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS for users in China, though regulators did not provide a launch date.
Apple designs the iPhone, Mac, iPad and other consumer devices, while expanding deeper into services and artificial intelligence. Alibaba NYSE:BABA and Baidu are among China's leading AI developers.
The approval matters because Apple Intelligence has been unavailable in mainland China since its 2024 debut, leaving Apple behind local rivals such as Huawei and Xiaomi. Greater China revenue rose 28% year over year to $20.5 billion in Apple's fiscal second quarter.
Apple shares gained about 1%, while Alibaba jumped roughly 5%.