Apple is facing significant challenges in launching its artificial intelligence models for iPhones and other devices in China. A senior Chinese official has stated that foreign companies, including Apple, will face a “difficult and long process” to secure approval unless they partner with local firms. Apple’s efforts to introduce its AI features in China are hindered by the country’s stringent regulatory framework. To address this, Apple has been in talks with Chinese tech giants such as Baidu, ByteDance, and Moonshot to incorporate their local large language models (LLMs) into its devices. A Chinese tech regulator noted that using LLMs from Chinese companies would be a more straightforward approval process for foreign firms like Apple.
This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to expand its AI capabilities, a key area it’s focusing on this year. Apple aims to drive consumer upgrades with AI-driven features that are incompatible with older iPhone models. However, Apple’s sales in China have been declining, with a nationalist backlash against US companies and a government campaign targeting iPhone use among state employees.
Apple has also considered running its own LLMs in China but would face a complicated approval process. The timeline for Apple’s AI rollout in China may be delayed, with analysts suggesting the launch could be pushed to the second half of 2025 or later.