The anticipated launch of Apple Intelligence in China seems to be moving further away as the company engages in enforced discussions with local firms regarding potential partnerships.
Apple is said to prefer utilizing its own generative AI models in China, but this ambition hinges on gaining government approval, which is likely to be denied…
Government Approval Required for AI Systems in China
It’s not feasible for Apple to simply develop a Chinese iteration of Apple Intelligence, as all AI systems must undergo a stringent approval process mandated by the government – and the reasons for this requirement are quite evident.
The Chinese government tightly controls sources of online information within its borders. Google exited the Chinese market after being compelled to censor search results, and many other western platforms are blocked by the Great Firewall of China, such as Facebook, X, and Wikipedia. Numerous search terms are also restricted on Baidu, the locally-owned search engine.
AI products offer alternative methods for conducting web searches, and it is evident that the government aims to maintain control over these systems, essentially obliging foreign companies to adopt approved domestic models.
Clarity from the Government
The Chinese authorities have indicated to Apple that the company will not be permitted to introduce Apple Intelligence in China unless it collaborates with locally sanctioned entities.
A senior government official has cautioned that launching Apple Intelligence in China would be a “prolonged and challenging process” unless Apple partners with a local AI firm. Collaborating with a Chinese company would instead be “straightforward and uncomplicated.”
Reports suggest that Baidu was among the companies approached by Apple, yet the two parties have experienced conflicts over both technical and privacy concerns.
Baidu is reportedly interested in collecting data from iPhone users conducting AI-enhanced searches, which directly contradicts the data privacy principles of Apple Intelligence and Private Cloud Compute.
Negotiations with Tencent and ByteDance
Reuters has reported that Apple is also in discussions with two additional Chinese tech giants regarding the use of their AI models.
Apple is currently in conversations with Tencent and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, about incorporating their AI models into iPhones sold within China, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
However, it appears minimal progress has been made thus far.
Sources indicated that Apple’s engagements with Tencent and ByteDance regarding the adoption of their AI models are still in the very early stages, and the sources opted to remain anonymous as the discussions are not public.
We have previously speculated that while it would be commendable for Apple to uphold its privacy standards, the reality is that the company must partner with local firms that adhere to vastly different practices.
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