Apple has reportedly selected Alibaba as its AI partner in China, passing over DeepSeek, which has been gaining attention in recent weeks.
This decision comes after Apple previously explored deals with Tencent, ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company), and Baidu.
Why Apple Needs a Local AI Partner
China has strict regulations on generative AI services, requiring government approval. Foreign AI models are not allowed without a partnership with a local company. As a result, Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered software features, is still unavailable in China.
With this Alibaba partnership, that could change soon. According to reports, Apple and Alibaba have already submitted a set of co-developed AI features to China’s cyberspace regulator for approval.
What Happens Next?
It’s unclear how long the approval process will take, but Apple is moving fast. China is one of Apple’s largest markets, and the company wants its AI features available there as soon as possible.
By securing a deal with Alibaba, Apple gains a trusted local partner that could help fast-track AI approvals and bring Apple Intelligence to millions of Chinese users.