Apple has reportedly developed a bespoke AI model for China with Alibaba’s support, marking an unusual partnership between US and Chinese technology companies amid wider political tensions. The move could help Apple launch Apple Intelligence in China while retaining greater control over its AI features in a crucial and highly competitive smartphone market.

Reuters, citing three unnamed sources, said the model was trained specifically for China because services such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT are unavailable there. Apple registered Apple Intelligence with China’s internet regulator last month and is reportedly aiming for an iOS-update rollout in the coming months; Chinese rules require public AI models to receive government approval. If confirmed, Apple would be the first US company authorised to offer its own AI model in China.