Apple is trying to boost iPhone sales, especially in China, by adding new AI features. However, there’s a problem: ChatGPT, which Apple plans to use with Siri, is banned in China.
Apple recently announced it will use its technology called Apple Intelligence and partner with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri. This move is to catch up with competitors like Microsoft, Google, and Samsung, who already have advanced AI features.
China has strict rules for AI technology, requiring companies to get approval before using it. So far, over 100 AI models from Chinese companies have been approved, but ChatGPT is not one of them. Apple is now looking for a Chinese AI company to partner with before launching its new iPhones in September but hasn’t found a partner yet.
Apple’s smartphone sales in China dropped by 10% in the first quarter of this year. The decline is due to several factors, including nationalism, economic challenges, and competition from local brands like Huawei, whose smartphone sales grew by 70%.
The issue isn’t just in China. Apple also faces challenges in the European Union due to regulatory uncertainties. The company said it might not be able to launch some AI features in Europe this year because of these regulations.
In the meantime, Apple is likely to find a local Chinese partner for AI to meet consumer expectations for the latest technology in premium phones. Apple needs to act quickly to secure this partnership to stay competitive in the Chinese market.
Credit: CNN.