China’s internet regulator has approved Apple’s AI services for its iPhone range, allowing it to offer the features in mainland China years after they launched elsewhere.

The launch has been complicated by China’s rules on foreign AI tools, which mean Apple can’t use the same partners it works with for advanced features, including Google and OpenAI.

Instead, Alibaba and Baidu are to provide back-end services, the Cyberspace Administration of China said.

Alibaba said its popular Qwen open-source models would be “be integrated into Apple Intelligence experiences within iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS for users in China”.

It said users will be able to access Qwen features including text and image generation.

Baidu also confirmed it is working with Apple to develop AI features for China users.

Tencent and ByteDance are also reportedly in talks with Apple around the AI roll-out.

Apple’s suite of AI features includes tools that can summarise emails, draft reports, edit images, and carry out other tasks.

The tools launched in the US in 2024 and Europe in 2025. Some of the features are available in Hong Kong.

The CAC’s notice didn’t specify whether Apple’s AI would be allowed in other products, such as iPads and Macs.

The regulator also issued an approval for Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite, as well as offerings from domestic tech firms Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and ZTE, which is partnering with ByteDance for its AI features.