The launch of Apple Intelligence in China remains uncertain as the company is engaged in required discussions with local firms regarding collaborations.
It has been reported that Apple aimed to deploy its own generative AI models within China, but obtaining essential government approval appears unlikely…
Government Approval Needed for AI Systems in China
Apple cannot simply develop a Chinese iteration of Apple Intelligence, as all AI systems must be submitted for government validation—this requirement is quite evident.
The Chinese government tightly controls online information sources within its borders. Google exited the market after being compelled to censor search results, and many other Western platforms are restricted by China’s Great Firewall, including Facebook, X, and Wikipedia. Numerous search terms are also filtered out when utilizing the local Baidu search engine.
AI products, of course, facilitate web searches, and it is apparent that the government intends to maintain oversight over these systems as well, effectively compelling foreign corporations to utilize sanctioned Chinese-owned models.
Government’s Stance Made Clear
Apple has been informed that launching Apple Intelligence in China will only be possible if it partners with pre-approved domestic firms.
A high-ranking government official has cautioned that introducing Apple Intelligence in China would be a “challenging and lengthy endeavor” unless the tech giant collaborates with a local AI company. Partnering with a Chinese firm would instead be “simple and straightforward.”
Reports suggest that Baidu was considered one of Apple’s potential partners; however, technical and privacy disputes have reportedly occurred between the two.
Baidu allegedly seeks to retain data from iPhone users conducting AI-enabled searches, which contrasts significantly with the design intentions behind Apple Intelligence and Private Cloud Compute.
Apple Engaging with Tencent and ByteDance
Reuters indicates that Apple is also in discussions with additional Chinese tech leaders regarding the incorporation of their AI models.
Apple is reportedly negotiating with Tencent and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, about integrating their artificial intelligence models into iPhones targeted at the Chinese market, according to several insiders.
However, it appears little advancement has been made so far.
The talks with Tencent and ByteDance regarding the use of their AI models are reportedly in the very early stages, according to sources who wished to remain anonymous due to the private nature of the discussions.
While it might be appealing to think that Apple will uphold its privacy standards, it seems the reality is that it must collaborate with domestic firms that adhere to quite different regulations.
Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash
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