Apple Partners With Alibaba To Build Custom AI Model For China
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Moving away from relying on existing domestic models, Apple is developing a proprietary system to power Apple Intelligence in the Chinese market.
Apple has reportedly trained a custom artificial intelligence model specifically for the Chinese market through a partnership with domestic tech giant Alibaba, as first reported by The Verge via Reuters. This collaboration marks a strategic shift for the company, which has historically relied on existing domestic Chinese models to provide generative AI capabilities to its devices in the region, as U.S.-based models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT are unavailable in China.
According to Reuters, which cited three unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the China-focused large language model was developed with Alibaba's support. By creating its own proprietary model, Apple aims to gain greater control over its product offerings within China's highly competitive smartphone market. Reuters reports that, if approved, Apple would be the first U.S. firm authorized to provide a proprietary AI model within China.
The move comes as Apple prepares for the rollout of "Apple Intelligence" in China. Reuters sources indicate the service should launch in the coming months following an update to the iOS operating system. A significant regulatory milestone was reached last month when Apple officially registered the on-device generative AI service with China's cyberspace regulator, a requirement for all AI models before public release.