Apple Secures Approval for AI Features in China as Quarterly Revenue Rises
Apple Inc. (AAPL) received regulatory approval in China to launch its artificial intelligence features, known as Apple Intelligence. An initial beta version is scheduled for October, followed by a wider public rollout aligned with iOS 27.3 in December. The software capabilities include live translation, text drafting, and image editing. To satisfy local regulatory standards, the firm built a custom China-focused language model in partnership with Alibaba's technology arm.
The approval arrives as the company expands its business footprint across the region. Greater China revenue reached $18.8 billion in the fiscal third quarter, marking a 22.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Chinese authorities also issued network permits allowing qualifying devices to run local models, such as Alibaba's Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang, provided network compliance rules are met.
Looking ahead, investors will monitor the market adoption of on-device AI tools and upcoming hardware initiatives, including a renewed Chinese network access license for a foldable device named iPhone Duo. Meanwhile, Apple faces legal scrutiny after OpenAI filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that a former employee transferred proprietary files before joining Apple.
Key points
- Apple received approval to release Apple Intelligence in China, starting with an October beta ahead of a full December launch.
- Greater China revenue rose 22.4% year-over-year to $18.8 billion in the company's fiscal third quarter.
- Apple built a custom local language model with Alibaba's tech arm to meet Chinese regulatory standards.
- The company renewed a Chinese network license for a potential foldable device named iPhone Duo.
Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web. It can contain mistakes: check the facts before acting on them. Write-ups powered by the free AI API at FreeTheAI.org
How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
When will Apple Intelligence launch in China?
A beta test begins in October, with a wider public release scheduled for December alongside iOS 27.3.
How much revenue did Apple generate in China recently?
Apple generated $18.8 billion in Greater China revenue during its fiscal third quarter, up 22.4% year-over-year.
Which AI models will Apple use in China?
Apple built its own China-specific model with Alibaba's tech arm and received permits for domestic models like Qwen.
