Apple Partners With Alibaba and Baidu for December China AI Launch

Apple Inc. is preparing to debut its Apple Intelligence platform in mainland China in December through partnerships with Alibaba and Baidu, though key features like revamped Siri AI and image generation will be excluded initially. Alibaba's Qwen model will support local AI functions and content compliance, while Baidu handles search and select assistant features. The delayed deployment follows extensive regulatory reviews as Apple works to counter domestic rivals. Greater China generated $18.8 billion to $18.82 billion of Apple's revenue in the June fiscal third quarter, representing a critical market for the company's hardware replacement cycle.