Apple is reportedly seeking local AI partners in China due to potential regulatory challenges facing Apple Intelligence.
Apple has reportedly engaged in talks with Baidu, Alibaba Group, and Baichuan AI to potentially collaborate as AI partners.
Apple introduced numerous new artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for its iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices during the recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. These AI functionalities will be driven by Apple’s own AI model named Apple Intelligence and OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT. However, a report suggests that neither of these AI models may receive approval from the Chinese government, necessitating Apple to seek local AI providers if it intends to offer these features in the region.
Apple exploring local AI partners in China
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple has initiated discussions to identify a suitable Chinese partner in AI to support its generative AI functionalities. Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, indicated that Apple is currently engaged in talks with major Chinese entities such as Baidu, Alibaba Group, and the Beijing-based startup Baichuan AI.
The decision to seek a local AI partner is purportedly aimed at preempting regulatory issues with the Chinese government. In China, all AI models must undergo government approval, especially those based on extensive databases of text, images, and videos. This vetting process is designed to screen out any potential chatbots that could impact public opinion.
The report discloses that Chinese regulators had approved 117 different generative AI products by March 2024, all of which were developed within China. Consequently, the likelihood of Apple Intelligence receiving approval is considered low.
For instance, Samsung introduced its Galaxy AI suite of features for smartphones with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. These include notable functionalities such as Google’s Circle to Search, Live Translate, Generative Edit for photos, and AI Interpreter. However, these AI features are unavailable in China, where Samsung’s in-house AI model and Google’s Gemini AI are not permitted.
According to the report, Samsung collaborated with Baidu to power features like Circle to Search and text summarization and partnered with the image editing platform Meitu for AI-driven photo editing features.
Apple is perceived as joining the AI race relatively late. As the company rushes to select a Chinese AI partner to ensure timely feature releases globally, it faces competition from Oppo and Huawei, both of which have already started delivering AI capabilities to their users.
