Apple to Launch iPhone AI Features in China by Mid-2025, Partnering with Local Tech Giants

Apple Inc. is set to introduce AI-powered features on iPhones in China by mid-2025, as the tech giant collaborates with local firms to navigate Chinese regulatory requirements, according to a report by Bloomberg on Friday.

Apple’s AI Expansion in China

Apple is working with Chinese internet giants Alibaba and Baidu to integrate its proprietary AI technology into iPhones sold in China. The company's initiative, branded as Apple Intelligence, is being developed by multiple teams in both the United States and China, as per sources familiar with the matter.

Apple is targeting a launch as early as May 2025, aiming to bridge the gap left when its latest iPhone models debuted in China without AI-powered features due to regulatory hurdles and the lack of a suitable local AI partner.

Why Apple Needed a Local AI Partner

Unlike in other markets where Apple collaborates with OpenAI, U.S. regulations prohibit OpenAI from operating in China. This restriction forced Apple to seek alternative partnerships with China-based AI firms such as Alibaba and Baidu, both of which have recently launched advanced AI models to strengthen China’s position in the global AI race.

Apple Struggles Against AI-First Competitors

Apple has lagged behind global smartphone rivals like Samsung, which has already incorporated AI-driven features into its flagship devices. The delayed rollout of Apple Intelligence in China could put the company at a disadvantage as it competes with local giants such as Xiaomi and Huawei—both of which have been aggressively integrating AI into their ecosystems.

Additionally, Apple’s smartphone sales in China have been declining, making AI-powered enhancements a crucial part of its strategy to regain market share. With Chinese competitors rapidly innovating, Apple’s AI push is seen as an effort to stay relevant in one of its most important markets.

The Future of Apple AI in China

As Apple moves forward with its China AI rollout, its success will depend on how well Apple Intelligence integrates with local user preferences and the country’s strict data protection regulations. With Alibaba and Baidu’s cutting-edge AI advancements, Apple is looking to offer a seamless, compliant, and competitive AI experience for Chinese consumers.

The mid-2025 launch will be a significant test for Apple’s AI ambitions in China—one that could determine its long-term competitiveness in the world’s largest smartphone market.

(Sources: investing.com, Bloomberg, ChatGPT)