Apple's Apple Intelligence will integrate Alibaba's Qwen (Tongyi Qianwen) in China, with an iOS developer Beta test beginning November 4 covering Siri and image-text generation functions, a November 2 briefing reported. The feature is scheduled for formal rollout in December alongside iOS 27.3, excluding the next-generation Siri.
The move is described as an important signal of an overseas tech giant adapting to China's local AI ecosystem. By plugging a domestic large model into its intelligent assistant, Apple localizes capabilities for Chinese users amid a global push to embed generative AI across operating systems.
Analysts said the partnership reflects the rising maturity and acceptance of Chinese foundational models, with leading domestic labs increasingly becoming the default local partners for global platforms operating in China.
Source: Tencent Finance / Market Briefing
