Details of Apple's China AI collaboration revealed: Baidu is also involved, and will be launched as early as May
Apple's AI function enters the Chinese market, and joins forces with Alibaba and Baidu to open a new chapter of intelligence.
Core content:
1. Alibaba and Apple cooperate to develop device-side systems, customizing AI experience for Chinese users
2. Baidu is responsible for visual intelligence functions, helping iPhone to upgrade its intelligence in the Chinese market
3. Apple's AI layout strategy in the Chinese market changes, and it cooperates deeply with local giants
Yesterday we reported that Alibaba has confirmed the cooperation with Apple AI in China, and Apple is making the final sprint for the landing of its AI functions in China. Today, according to the latest report from Bloomberg, Apple has confirmed the cooperation framework with Alibaba and Baidu . You read that right, Baidu will also be involved, and plans to launch the Chinese version of Apple Intelligence as early as May this year .
First, let’s look at Alibaba’s role. As a major partner, Alibaba will be responsible for working with Apple to develop an innovative device-side system that will be directly integrated into the Chinese version of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Its main function is to analyze and adjust Apple’s AI model to ensure that it complies with Chinese users’ usage habits and local regulatory requirements.
Image generated by AI
Interestingly, this system uses a unique update mechanism. When the AI model needs to be updated, Alibaba's software layer can respond quickly and make adjustments to ensure the continuity of the user experience. It is worth noting that this system will only appear on Apple devices sold in mainland China. If users buy devices from overseas and bring them to China for use, this local AI system will not be enabled .
Baidu, as a secondary partner, plays an equally important role. Baidu will be mainly responsible for the Visual Intelligence function , an important feature on the iPhone 16 that enables the device to scan objects and retrieve relevant information from the Internet. In the US market, this function is supported by Google and OpenAI, while in the Chinese market, Baidu will take over this task. In fact, Apple and Baidu have a long history. As early as 2014, Cook expressed to Baidu CEO Robin Li that he hoped to deepen the cooperation between the two sides.
In terms of cloud processing, Apple's Private Cloud Compute system needs to handle more complex AI tasks, such as rewriting large texts. In China, this part of the function may require in-depth cooperation with local partners, just as Apple's current iCloud service in China is operated by the state-owned enterprise Cloud Guizhou.
This three-party cooperation model is extremely rare in Apple's history. Normally, Apple prefers to maintain independence and control, but in the layout of AI in the Chinese market, Apple has chosen a more pragmatic path. Alibaba Chairman Joseph Tsai's public speech in Dubai confirmed this. He said that Apple was very cautious in choosing partners and ultimately took a fancy to Alibaba's AI technology strength.
Apple plans to add Chinese support in the iOS 18.4 update (beta version expected this week) to be launched in April this year, which will lay the foundation for the full implementation of subsequent AI functions. However, the update of language support is only the first step, and the ultimate goal is to establish a complete localized AI platform. According to Bloomberg, the Chinese version of Apple Intelligence will be officially launched as early as May this year.
