China approved Alibaba’s Qwen AI models for iPhones. The approval covers Apple Intelligence and Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen and Tongyi Wanxiang. It applies to all iPhones supporting Apple Intelligence. Apple can now offer Chinese users image generation and chatbots. The move aligns with iPhone Duo pre-orders opening in 70 nations on October 16. Shipments begin October 23. Tim Cook visited China the same week. Apple and Alibaba co-developed AI features for China earlier. US AI models remain unavailable in China. Apple’s China smartphone share hit 33% in mid-September. 1.3 million iPhone 18 Pro units sold in China in the first week. Foldable phone demand is high in China. Apple has not yet announced a rollout date for the AI features.
What changed
Apple Intelligence and Alibaba AI models were not approved for use in China.
What it unlocks
Offering Chinese iPhone users image generation and AI chatbot features via Apple Intelligence and Alibaba’s Qwen models.
- 33% China smartphone market share for Apple (week of Sep 14-20, 2026)
- 1.3M iPhone 18 Pro units sold in China (first week)
- 70 nations for iPhone Duo pre-orders
- Oct 16 iPhone Duo pre-order date
What you need to act on it
- China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology approval
- iPhone Duo or other supported iPhone models
Sources