Technology
China reportedly clears Alibaba's Qwen and Wanxiang AI tools before iPhone Duo launch
The cited reporting covers the AI tools, while Bloomberg sources describe a December Apple rollout without Siri AI.
The short version
- China's industry ministry reportedly approved Alibaba's Qwen models and Wanxiang image and video tool.[Engadget]
- Updated filings include network access permits for the iPhone Duo, which is set to launch in China next week.[Engadget]
- Bloomberg sources say Apple plans a December China launch of Apple Intelligence that excludes the new Siri AI.[9to5Mac]
- The cited reporting does not confirm that the approval was specific to Apple Intelligence.[Engadget]
Key facts
- China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reportedly gave regulatory approval for Tongyi Qianwen (Qwen) and the Tongyi Wanxiang AI image and video tool.[Engadget]
- Updated filings include network access permits for the iPhone Duo, which is set to launch in China next week.[Engadget]
- Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to launch Apple Intelligence in China in December as part of an iOS 27.3 update.[9to5Mac]
- According to Bloomberg's sources, the December China launch will exclude the new Siri AI assistant and other features announced this year.[9to5Mac]
- Apple Intelligence in China reportedly includes guardrails developed with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., including a government filter for ongoing model updates.[9to5Mac]
- Apple is also reportedly working with Baidu Inc. on features related to search and Siri.[9to5Mac]
What remains uncertain
- The cited reporting does not state that the MIIT approval was granted specifically for Apple Intelligence, so that link remains unconfirmed.[Engadget]
- The December China launch plan and its exclusions are attributed to Bloomberg sources and have not been confirmed by Apple in the provided reporting.[9to5Mac]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.