Apple Teams Up with Alibaba to Bring AI Features to iPhones in China
Apple is partnering with Alibaba to add artificial intelligence (AI) features to iPhones in China, according to a report by The Information.
This move could help Apple regain its footing in China, where it has been losing market share to local rivals like Huawei, which already offers AI tools in its smartphones.
Apple’s stock rose 1.5%, and Alibaba’s U.S.-listed shares gained 2.6% after the news. Earlier, Apple had chosen Baidu as its AI partner, but Baidu’s progress didn’t meet Apple’s standards, the report said.
Apple then considered other Chinese tech giants like Tencent, ByteDance, and Deepseek but ultimately picked Alibaba due to its vast data on users’ shopping and payment habits, which can help train AI models for better, personalized features.
Both companies have submitted their AI features to China’s cyberspace regulator for approval, according to Reuters. This partnership is crucial for Apple, as iPhone sales dropped during the holiday season—usually its biggest sales period—due to a lack of AI features in its latest models.
Apple has predicted stronger sales in the current quarter, raising hopes for a rebound in iPhone demand. This report is based on information from Reuters, a trusted news source.
The collaboration highlights how Apple adapts to compete in China’s tech market, where local players gaining ground with advanced AI capabilities.
Credit : Reuters