Strong indications suggest that Apple Intelligence may soon launch in China, following a partnership with Alibaba to utilize its Qwen models.
A recent report indicates that Alibaba has enhanced its ChatGPT alternative, Qwen3, which has been fine-tuned for the AI framework utilized by Apple devices…
Apple Cannot Use ChatGPT in China
Initially, Apple collaborated with OpenAI for the rollout of Apple Intelligence, with a reliance on ChatGPT for tasks outside its AI capabilities.
However, ChatGPT is prohibited in China, leading the Chinese government to effectively compel Apple to align with a local AI firm.
Reports suggest that Apple was in negotiations with several Chinese AI companies before Alibaba announced in February that it secured the contract.
Possible Upcoming Launch
South China Morning Post mentions that the announcement of Qwen3 sets the stage for an impending launch.
Alibaba Group Holding has unveiled its revamped Qwen3 series of artificial intelligence (AI) models, which may indicate the potential deployment of machine-learning technology across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
In a Monday update on the social media platform X, the Qwen team from Alibaba’s cloud division announced the launch of open-source Qwen3 models optimized for Apple’s MLX framework for machine learning.
Concerns had been raised that trade tensions might delay the launch, but it appears that this issue has now been addressed.
Concerns from the US Government
The launch seems to be moving forward despite apprehensions from US lawmakers regarding Apple’s collaboration with Alibaba.
Last month, lawmakers expressed national security worries that the partnership might aid China in enhancing its AI capabilities using data from US citizens.
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a prominent member of the House Intelligence Committee, described the arrangement as “extremely troubling.” He cautioned that Apple could be empowering a company closely associated with the Chinese Communist Party, similar to the fears that led to TikTok’s ban in the U.S.
“The United States is in an AI race with China, and we don’t want American companies aiding Chinese firms in accelerating their progress,” added Greg Allen, director of the Wadhwani A.I. Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Apple is also likely to face criticism on human rights grounds, considering that Qwen3 censors content in line with directives from the Chinese government.
The collaboration with Alibaba aims to establish an on-device system that will analyze and adapt Apple’s AI models for iOS and macOS. This system will filter and censor AI outputs to ensure compliance with Chinese government standards. Reports indicate that the Chinese government will have the ability to request modifications to AI models via Alibaba whenever it requires adjustments to information presented to users.
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Image: Michael Bower/DMN utilizing Apple assets
