Apple Intelligence still isn’t available in China, and won’t be for some time
Apple’s eventual rollout of Apple Intelligence in China has hit delays, thanks to regulatory issues raised in response to President Trump’s tariffs.
Apple has been working with Alibaba to bring its Apple Intelligence suite of generative AI features to iPhones in China. While the two tech giants have worked together on the project, it has hit a roadblock that has forced a delay in its introduction.
According to a report on Wednesday morning by the Financial Times, applications from Apple and Alibaba to release the AI features have not gained the approval of the Cyberspace Administration of China. The regulatory rubber stamp is required in China by law, which prevents Apple from adding them to iOS.
Two sources of the report say that the blockage is due to the increasing tensions between China and the United States. By this, the main reason is said to be the trade war and tariff activity instigated by the current administration of President Donald Trump.
To Apple, the block could be an expensive exercise, since the introduction of the features could help revive sales in the country. With other smartphones and devices already on the market with their own AI features, the gulf in AI technology could widen as the regulators hold off from approving Apple’s proposals.
