Apple Intelligence Is Finally Coming to China, but Without Siri AI

Apple Intelligence is finally moving closer to a launch in mainland China after facing regulatory hurdles for nearly two years. However, the initial rollout will reportedly come with significant limitations, as Apple’s latest Siri AI assistant and several image-generation features are expected to remain unavailable.

According to reports from Bloomberg and other media outlets, Apple plans to introduce Apple Intelligence in China through an upcoming iOS 27.3 update, currently expected in December 2026. Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly confirmed that the service has received approval for launch, with a test version expected later in October.

The development marks an important step for Apple as it seeks to bring its artificial intelligence features to one of its most important smartphone markets.

Apple Intelligence Will Use Alibaba’s AI Models in China

Unlike the international version of Apple Intelligence, which uses Google’s Gemini models for its latest AI capabilities, the Chinese version will rely on technology from local partners.

Apple has reportedly partnered with Alibaba to integrate its Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang AI models into the platform. Qwen is expected to support general AI and text-related features, while Tongyi Wanxiang specialises in image and video generation.

The arrangement reflects China’s regulatory requirements for generative AI services. Apple has had to adapt its approach to meet local rules before making its AI features available to Chinese customers.

Reports also indicate that Apple is working with Baidu on certain search-related and Siri functions. However, these arrangements do not mean that the newer Siri AI experience will be available at launch.

Siri AI Will Be Missing From the Initial Release

One of the biggest limitations of the planned rollout is the absence of Apple’s new Siri AI assistant.

The upgraded assistant introduces more conversational interactions and is designed to understand personal context, recognise what is happening on the screen and help users complete tasks across applications.

Despite these capabilities, Chinese iPhone users are reportedly not expected to receive the new Siri AI experience as part of the initial Apple Intelligence release.

Apple’s own Image Playground image-generation feature is also expected to remain unavailable. Some text-generation capabilities may be restricted in certain applications, further differentiating the Chinese version from the experience offered in other markets.

As a result, the initial rollout is likely to focus on selected Apple Intelligence features rather than delivering the complete set of AI tools available elsewhere.

Which Apple Intelligence Features Could Arrive First?

Although the full feature list has not been officially confirmed, reports indicate that the initial release could include several capabilities introduced with earlier versions of Apple Intelligence.

These may include Writing Tools for rewriting, proofreading and summarising text, notification summaries that help users review incoming alerts, and the Clean Up tool for removing unwanted objects from photographs.

Some Genmoji functionality may also be included, although the newer generation of the feature is reportedly expected to be missing.

The final selection will depend on Apple’s implementation and the requirements imposed by Chinese regulators. The company has not yet published a complete list of features for the Chinese launch.

China’s Regulations Have Delayed Apple’s AI Plans

Apple Intelligence was introduced in 2024, but bringing the service to mainland China has proved considerably more complicated than launching it in many other markets.

Chinese regulations governing generative AI services require companies to meet specific approval and compliance requirements. Apple has consequently needed local partnerships and additional safeguards before releasing its AI technology.

Reports indicate that the Chinese version will include filtering mechanisms developed with Alibaba, allowing AI-generated content and model updates to comply with local requirements.

Apple has also reportedly received regulatory permits allowing compatible iPhones to access the relevant AI services and models. These approvals have helped remove a major obstacle to the planned launch.

However, regulatory approval does not automatically guarantee that every Apple Intelligence feature will be available.

Apple Faces Growing Competition in China

The delay has placed Apple in a challenging position as Chinese smartphone manufacturers continue to expand their AI offerings.

Companies such as Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo and vivo have incorporated AI-powered tools into their devices, including writing assistance, photo editing, translation and intelligent search.

By comparison, Apple has been unable to offer the same Apple Intelligence experience to Chinese customers that it provides in supported international markets.

Introducing even a limited selection of AI features could help reduce this gap. It would also give Apple a foundation for expanding its Chinese AI offering as further features receive the necessary approvals.

Nevertheless, the absence of Siri AI and Apple’s image-generation tools means the initial release will remain different from the company’s broader AI strategy.

When Will Apple Intelligence Launch in China?

Apple Intelligence is reportedly expected to arrive more widely in China through iOS 27.3 in December 2026. Tim Cook has also reportedly said that a test version is expected later in October following regulatory approval.

Apple has not publicly confirmed every detail of the reported rollout, and the timing could change before the software becomes available.

The initial release is expected to support compatible iPhones, although availability will depend on the device, software version and final regional requirements.

Conclusion

Apple Intelligence is finally approaching its long-awaited launch in China, but users should not expect the complete experience available in other markets.

Alibaba’s Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang models will help power selected AI capabilities, while the new Siri AI assistant, Image Playground and some text-generation features are reportedly excluded from the initial rollout.

The launch could nevertheless represent an important milestone for Apple, allowing the company to introduce AI-powered writing, notification management and photo-editing tools to Chinese iPhone users.

For now, the biggest question is how quickly Apple will be able to expand the service beyond its initial feature set. Until the company confirms a complete launch schedule and feature list, Chinese customers will have to wait for further details about the future of Apple Intelligence in their market.