Apple and Samsung are partnering with Chinese technology companies to power artificial intelligence features in the world’s largest smartphone market, as reported by Gizmochina.
Apple has formalized a strategic partnership with Alibaba Group to run server-side generative text, visual context queries, and complex Siri processing for users in mainland China. The features rely on Alibaba’s Qwen model.
On-device tasks such as basic photo editing and translation continue to run on Apple’s own foundation models. The new software capabilities are currently available in developer beta testing and will roll out publicly with iOS 27.3 in December.
This setup matches an approach Samsung has used since the Galaxy S24 series. The South Korean manufacturer has worked with Baidu to power Galaxy AI features in China using the Ernie model, covering visual search, Bixby queries, live call translation, and document summarization.
That collaboration has expanded into newer hardware releases like the S26 series. Both brand partnerships help foreign device makers comply with Chinese regulatory rules for generative AI services while connecting directly to domestic platforms like Alipay, Taobao, and Baidu Maps.
Integrating generative capabilities with popular local services provides contextual usefulness that purely global models often struggle to match inside China. Industry observers note that while these alliances solve immediate compliance and localization requirements, they also introduce longer-term strategic questions for foreign electronics brands.
Why Apple and Samsung Are Turning to Chinese AI Partners Apple and Samsung are taking different routes to the same challenge: bringing AI-powered smartphone features to China while adapting to the country's regulatory and technology environment. Apple has confirmed plans to… pic.twitter.com/2s4HcfKiJ0
Relying on domestic Chinese large language models for core processing in such a massive market can build dependencies. Observers indicate this approach might limit how much hardware makers can differentiate their product offerings as local artificial intelligence capabilities continue to advance.
Neither Apple nor Alibaba has publicly disclosed the complete technical mechanisms utilized to maintain compliance with Chinese content rules. However, available information from sources indicates that filtering technology forms part of the implemented solution.
Apple and Samsung are turning to Chinese AI companies to strengthen their smartphone ecosystems in China. According to The Korea Herald, Apple is partnering with Alibaba to bring its Qwen AI model to Apple Intelligence, while Samsung is working with Baidu to power and localise… pic.twitter.com/78bTRSDjNT
Ultimately, these developments illustrate a practical necessity for foreign device manufacturers. Competing effectively within the region increasingly demands close collaboration with the nation’s leading internet and artificial intelligence platforms to deliver advanced features at scale.