Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is trending Thursday after a Bloomberg report that the company plans to release Apple Intelligence in mainland China in December as part of the iOS 27.3 update.

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Apple Plans a Limited Apple Intelligence Launch in China in December

According to Investing.com, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter, that the launch will include AI features that first became available in the U.S. two years ago on the iPhone, iPad and Mac. The new Siri AI assistant and other features Apple announced this year won’t be part of the December release. Apple received preliminary approval in July to introduce Apple Intelligence in China and recently held more discussions with the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology about clearance for a consumer debut.

The rollout follows years of preparation and several delays. Apple initially expected a release in May 2025, then pushed it to the end of 2025 and again to spring 2026 while waiting for Chinese government approval. Apple hasn’t confirmed a launch date.

Alibaba and Baidu Reportedly Power the China Version, With a Government Filter

China restricts foreign AI technology, so Apple has partnered with local companies. Alibaba confirmed in July that its Qwen model will power Apple Intelligence features for Chinese users, and Baidu is reportedly handling search and some Siri features. Bloomberg reported that Apple and Alibaba built safeguards that include a process for the government to approve ongoing model updates.

Updated network access permits from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, completed September 29, list Apple Intelligence alongside Alibaba’s Qwen and Tongyi Wanxiang models for the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and earlier iPhones, according to the South China Morning Post.

Why China Matters to Apple

Greater China revenue rose 22.4% from a year earlier to $18.8 billion in Apple’s fiscal third quarter, which ended in June, according to Tech Times. Apple Intelligence has been missing from the market since the features debuted globally, and AppleInsider noted it remains to be seen whether the launch will help iPhone sales in China when local competitors ship more capable AI models on their phones.

Apple Shares Trade Flat

AAPL Price Action: At the time of publication, Apple shares are trading 0.76% higher at $345.58, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

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