Apple Intelligence is currently unavailable in China and will be for the foreseeable future.
The anticipated launch of Apple Intelligence in China faces delays due to regulatory challenges linked to President Trump’s tariffs.
Apple has been collaborating with Alibaba to introduce its suite of generative AI features for iPhones in China. However, despite their efforts, progress has stalled, leading to significant delays.
A report from the Financial Times on Wednesday revealed that Apple and Alibaba’s applications for AI feature approval have not been sanctioned by the Cyberspace Administration of China. This regulatory approval is legally required in China, preventing Apple from incorporating these features into iOS.
According to sources cited in the report, tensions between China and the United States, particularly pertaining to the trade war and tariffs initiated by the Trump administration, are contributing to the regulatory hold-up.
For Apple, this blockage could be costly, as the new features could potentially boost sales within the country. Meanwhile, competitors in the smartphone market continue to roll out their own AI capabilities, widening the tech gap as regulators delay Apple’s proposals.