Apple Intelligence approved for launch in China with Alibaba's Qwen AI

What happened

China's Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) approved Apple Intelligence for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS in the Chinese market on July 15, 2026. Alibaba's Qwen model will power the AI features.

Context and impact

Apple has long struggled to bring AI products to China. Before Alibaba, Apple negotiated with Baidu but ran into issues adapting models for Chinese users. The Alibaba deal reshapes the dynamic: Apple gains access to 1.4B potential users; Alibaba gets massive visibility for Qwen. Apple Q2 Greater China sales jumped 28% to $20.5B.

Details

• Deal: Apple Intelligence + Alibaba Qwen in iOS/iPadOS/macOS/visionOS
• Regulator: Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)
• Market reaction: Alibaba shares +6%
• Alternative before Alibaba: Apple had negotiated with Baidu but talks failed
• Launch date: CAC did not specify a date — approval only
• Q2 Greater China: Apple revenue +28% to $20.5B