Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is reportedly planning to launch Apple Intelligence in China after two years of regulatory delays. However, Cupertino may leave out some of its biggest AI features.
Apple Intelligence China Launch Expected In December
The launch is expected with iOS 27.3 in December and will bring limited AI capabilities to Chinese iPhone users, including photo-editing tools, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.
However, the report says the update will not include AI-powered Siri, Image Playground and the latest Genmoji features. Moreover, the text-generation tools will remain limited.
On X, Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman said, "Apple executives have little optimism for Siri AI to happen in China anytime soon. But I believe the updated Apple Intelligence will eventually land in China."
On the same day, the South China Morning Post reported that China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has granted Apple network access permits.
The permits clear the use of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s (NYSE:BABA) Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang AI models on supported devices, including the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and several older iPhones.
China AI Regulations Delayed Apple’s Expansion
In 2024, Apple first introduced Apple Intelligence features with iOS 18.1. However, regulatory hurdles kept the services out of China.
In July, Apple received conditional clearance to launch the technology. It still needed additional approval before making the features available to consumers, according to MacRumors.
China’s regulatory restrictions on foreign AI technology forced Apple to partner with domestic companies. The company is also expected to submit upcoming AI updates to the Chinese government for approval.
Apple did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
Price Action: On Wednesday, Apple shares closed at $342.96. In Thursday’s premarket trading, the stock was up 0.89% at $346, according to Benzinga Pro.
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