Apple Confirmed to Partner With Alibaba in China for AI-Powered Apple Intelligence Features: Report

Apple Partners with Alibaba for AI-Powered Features in China

Apple has confirmed a significant partnership with Alibaba to power its artificial intelligence (AI) features in China. This collaboration was officially acknowledged by Alibaba’s chairperson, Joseph Chung-Hsin Tsai, at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. The agreement will see Alibaba provide the necessary AI models and infrastructure to enhance Apple’s services for its Chinese users.

Apple’s Strategic Move in China

Apple has reportedly co-developed several AI-powered features with Alibaba, aiming to cater to the needs of its Chinese customer base. However, these features are currently awaiting approval from Chinese regulators before they can be launched. This move marks a crucial step for Apple as it looks to improve its offerings in the competitive Chinese market.

At the summit, Tsai expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “They want to use our AI to power their phones. We feel extremely honoured to do business with a great company like Apple.” He also noted that Apple had initially considered working with other Chinese tech giants like Tencent, ByteDance (the parent company of TikTok), Baidu, and DeepSeek before settling on Alibaba. The deal with Alibaba was chosen because the company has the necessary data and resources to meet Apple’s needs in China.

The Role of Alibaba’s Data and AI Expertise

Alibaba’s massive data repository, which includes extensive user shopping and payment behavior, is seen as a key asset in this partnership. Apple believes that access to this data will allow it to develop more customized and intelligent AI services for Chinese users. The e-commerce giant’s AI models are expected to provide the backbone for Apple’s next-generation features, aligning with local demands and regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Challenges Ahead

While the partnership holds great promise, it faces one major hurdle: China’s strict AI regulations. To offer AI-driven services in the country, companies must obtain approval from the government. So far, no company outside China has been granted permission to offer AI features within the country, making this approval process crucial for the success of the collaboration.

Both Apple and Alibaba are eagerly awaiting the approval of their co-developed AI features. Once cleared, these innovations could bring a fresh wave of smart, personalized services to Apple’s Chinese users.

Apple’s decision to collaborate with Alibaba highlights the importance of local partnerships when navigating international markets, especially when it comes to compliance with strict regulations. As AI continues to transform the tech industry, this partnership sets the stage for exciting developments in the realm of personalized tech services.

What are your thoughts on this partnership? Could Apple’s collaboration with Alibaba change the landscape of AI-powered services in China? Let us know your opinion!