Apple will use Alibaba’s Qwen artificial intelligence model to run parts of Apple Intelligence in China. Apple Intelligence is the company’s set of AI tools built into the iPhone and other devices.
Samsung Electronics is following a similar path with Baidu. The Korean company has worked with the Chinese search firm to adapt Galaxy AI for users in China, according to a report by the Korea Herald.
Qwen Coming to iPhones in December
Alibaba announced its agreement with Apple on October 31. Developers have already started testing the new features.
A public launch is planned for December, alongside the iOS 27.3 software update. Qwen is expected to support Siri, the Writing Tools feature, and Visual Intelligence.
These tools let users create text and ask questions about photos and documents. For iPhone users in China, Qwen will handle these tasks.
Apple’s own models will still power some features in the country. These include real-time translation and photo editing.
The next generation of Siri with artificial intelligence will not be part of the first launch phase. The first release will focus on the current Siri, Writing Tools, and Visual Intelligence.
Samsung Relies on Baidu
Samsung has worked with Baidu since January 2024. On global versions of the Galaxy S24, the Circle to Search feature uses Google technology.
In China, the same feature runs on Baidu’s Ernie model and its search tools. Chinese media reported in July that the partnership had been extended to the Galaxy S26 series.
Baidu said the two companies also worked on Chinese-language text input and document summaries. They also worked on Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant.
Another shared project is a call assistant. Depending on user settings, it can answer calls from courier services and food delivery services.
China requires public generative AI services to meet content and security standards. These services must also go through a regulatory registration process before they reach the public.
In July, China’s cyberspace regulator listed Apple Intelligence and Galaxy AI among seven registered AI services for smartphones. Both features passed that step before the Qwen rollout began.
The partnerships may also give the phone makers access to local digital services. Alibaba runs the shopping platform Taobao and the payment app Alipay, while Baidu has a strong position in search and maps.
Experts interviewed by the Korea Herald pointed to risks in these deals. They said foreign phone makers could become dependent on Chinese AI providers and lose some control over their technology and data.
The deals come as phone sales in China are falling. Smartphone shipments in the country dropped 10% year over year in the third quarter, according to Counterpoint Research.
Huawei led the market with a 21.3% share, while Apple held 19.5%. Samsung did not rank among the top six manufacturers in China during the quarter.
