Apple is collaborating with Alibaba to make AI features available to iPhone users in China, a report by The Information claims. Unaided, this decision follows Apple’s race to restore market share in the region as it trails behind competitive alternatives such as HUAWEI who have already embedded MCHAD tools for the offered devices.
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Apple Partners with Alibaba to Bring AI Features to iPhones in China Amid Market Struggles
Earlier, Apple selected Baidu as its primary AI partner last year, but later on, opted for a different path as Baidu’s AI models did not consider its expectations. The company then looked at AI solutions from Tencent, ByteDance, Alibaba and Deepseek. Deepseek was eventually eliminated from the shortlist due to their smaller team and less experience. A key factor in Apple’s decision to partner with Alibaba was the latter’s vast dataset on user shopping and payment behavior, which could help train AI models for more personalized services. The companies have reportedly been submitting their AI-powered functions to China’s cyberspace market regulator for approval.
The report added that since iPhone sales dropped in the holiday quarter—its strongest sales quarter of the year—due to the lack of AI-powered features, AI has become vital for Apple. However, Apple has forecasted strong sales growth for the current quarter, stoking speculation of a rebound in the market. Alibaba’s involvement could smooth the path to securing regulatory approval for those AI features in the near future, which could pave the way for iPhone users in China to eventually get better Siri responses, smarter search suggestions, and enhanced personalization.
The deal represents a departure for Apple, which has traditionally kept tight reins on its ecosystem. By embracing Alibaba’s A.I., Apple is making compromises as it seeks to maintain its competitiveness in China — signifying how regional demands could shape future Apple products. For now, Apple’s priority is to make iPhones in China as capable of AI as their local competitors. Given how important AI is becoming to consumers, the partnership with Alibaba could allow Apple to remain a player in one of its most lucrative markets. More details will presumably follow as the collaboration moves forward.
FAQs
Why is Apple partnering with Alibaba for AI in China?
Apple aims to enhance AI features on iPhones and regain market share, leveraging Alibaba’s vast user data for personalization.
When will these AI features be available?
Apple and Alibaba have submitted the features for regulatory approval, but no official launch date has been announced yet.
