Apple to bring Apple Intelligence to China without AI-enabled Siri features

Apple initially disclosed its "Apple Intelligence" system in 2024 during the introduction of iOS 18, but could only release it in two locations: the European Union and China. As per a report by Bloomberg, Apple has now begun to prepare for the deployment of the system into the Chinese market through the iOS 18.2 software update. The system in December 2024.

Apple uses Google's open-source Gemini models in other Western markets to support some artificial intelligence services. Alibaba, on the other hand, has licensed the Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang models to Apple for use in China.

Most of Apple Intelligence features should run on the Qwen model, given that it is a general-purpose AI model. IOS 18.2 will not bring AI-powered Siri features, the report adds. And some other apps will be limited in generating texts due to local restrictions, the limitations aren't technical but rather legal/regulatory.

Simultaneously, Tongyi Wanxiang, the model focused on image and video generation, will be employed for photo-editing. However, due to a host of local regulations, Apple will be unable to introduce the "Image Playground" feature in China, restricting users there from the full range of Apple Intelligence features available to users in the U.S. market.

These limitations are not limited to China; Siri on Apple devices equipped with AI capabilities also is not being offered on iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches in the European Union. As noted in the info submitted in the September update, Mac and Apple Vision Pro users in the European Union will be able to use these features in a supported language when they have a Mac or Vision Pro device; but they will not be offered on iOS, iPadOS or watchOS in the EU at launch.

Likewise, Bloomberg's Gurman said that it might take until the European Union and China receive AI-powered Siri features.