Apple's on-device artificial intelligence (AI) system has reportedly got its long-awaited approval for release in China. According to a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chinese regulators have granted Apple a long-awaited licence to roll out its artificial intelligence service on iPhones in the country, with Alibaba Group Holding and Baidu serving as technical partners. Apple is integrating Apple Intelligence with Alibaba Group Holding's Qwen AI into iPhones. The approval comes two years after Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in 2024 and marks a key step toward rolling out Apple Intelligence in the world’s biggest smartphone market. Originally announced in 2024, Apple Intelligence has taken a long time to gain clearance in China. Apple rolled out its AI services in many markets, including the United States in 2024 and Europe in 2025.Apple's suite of AI tools have changed significantly over the last two years as iPhone makers switched foundation models. In 2024, Apple announced collaboration with OpenAI to deliver some AI capabilities for Apple Intelligence. A year later, in 2025, Apple announced that it will be rebuilding its AI suite atop Google Gemini models globally. However, China's rules on foreign AI tools pushed the company to partner with local firms such as Baidu and Alibaba.What notice from Cyberspace Administration of China saysThe Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) published a notice that includes Apple’s generative AI services on a list of newly approved providers, alongside offerings from local companies like Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi. For now, the licence applied only to iPhones, according to the CAC's official notice, which did not specify whether other Apple devices sold in China -- such as iPad tablets and Mac computers -- would also be allowed to deploy Apple Intelligence.However, an Alibaba spokesperson told SCMP that its Qwen AI models will be available across iOS, iPadOS and macOS for users in China. This would allow users to access the model’s capabilities such as text and image generation, the representative said. A Baidu spokesperson too confirmed that the company’s technology will be powering Apple’s AI services in China.Apple Intelligence’s clearance in China is said to allow Cupertino giant to tap a population keen to experiment with new AI technologies. The rollout is likely to give another boost to Apple’s recovery in China last year after almost three quarters of poor sales. Some analysts see the announcement potentially helping Apple close the gap with local technology giant Huawei.When will Apple Intelligence be available to iPhone users in ChinaIvan Lam, senior analyst at market consultancy Counterpoint Research, told SCMP that the CAC's approval does not mean that Apple Intelligence would be immediately available to iPhone users in China. But the licence marked an important step. He added that the service could be rolled out later this year or in early 2027.Analysts see China announcement coming after Apple’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook joined US President Donald Trump’s business delegation during a visit to Beijing earlier this year. Cook, who’s set to hand over the reins to John Ternus in September, continues to strengthen the relationship he’s cultivated with Beijing over the years. Apple CEO Tim Cook's relationship has survived elevated tensions between China and the US over everything from tariffs to technology export controls.