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China Approves On-Device AI for Apple, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Others

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Chinese regulators have approved seven on-device AI service applications, including for Apple, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Samsung, and ZTE.
  • This clearance allows major smartphone brands to deploy native AI capabilities directly onto devices sold in China, removing a competitive disadvantage for Apple.
  • Apple's version of its AI will use Alibaba's Qwen LLM as the primary system engine, swapping Western models and shifting cloud infrastructure to domestic Chinese AI companies.

Chinese regulators have granted approval for on-device AI services from major global and domestic smartphone brands, including Apple, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Samsung, and ZTE. This landmark regulatory clearance, under China’s Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services, permits the deployment of native AI capabilities directly onto devices sold in the country.

Industry analysts believe this move significantly removes Apple’s biggest competitive disadvantage in the Chinese market. Linda Sui, Founder & Principal Analyst at Smart Analytics Global (SAG), noted that "strong consumer enthusiasm toward AI applications and China’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem provides a highly favourable environment for Apple Intelligence, helping Apple sustain strong momentum and outperform the broader smartphone market in China during the second half of 2026."

Strong consumer enthusiasm toward AI applications and China’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem provides a highly favourable environment for Apple Intelligence, helping Apple sustain strong momentum and outperform the broader smartphone market in China during the second half of 2026.

— Linda SuiFounder & Principal Analyst at Smart Analytics Global (SAG), commenting on the market environment for Apple Intelligence in China.

To gain approval, Apple overhauled its standard AI architecture for the Chinese market. The Chinese version of Apple Intelligence will feature a unique dual-partner structure, replacing Western models like OpenAI’s GPT with domestic Chinese AI companies. Alibaba’s Qwen LLM will serve as the primary system engine. This localization and compression of models for on-device and local compute means Chinese smartphone users will access AI features such as text summarization, writing assistance, and custom emoji creation without needing separate third-party apps.

Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak highlighted the significant user base awaiting these services, stating there are "close to 95 million Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones in China, which have been waiting for AI services." The approvals mark a significant realignment for Apple, integrating its services more deeply with local Chinese tech giants.

close to 95 million Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones in China, which have been waiting for AI services.

— Tarun PathakResearch Director at Counterpoint Research, highlighting the potential user base for AI services in China.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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