Apple has removed mentions of “Apple Intelligence” from its Chinese website, including product pages for the iPhone 16 Pro. This change has led to speculation regarding potential delays in the feature’s launch in mainland China.

The updated website indicates that Apple Intelligence will not be available on iPhones purchased in mainland China. Additionally, devices bought outside the region will also be unable to access the feature if the user is located in mainland China and has set their Apple ID to that region.

The company has indicated that iPhone purchased in China will gain access to Apple Intelligence once it launches, but a release timeline remains unconfirmed.

Earlier reports suggested that iOS 18.6 would bring AI capabilities to Chinese iPhones, with Alibaba and Baidu reportedly providing technical support.

However, the iOS 18.6 beta, released last month, did not include any references to Apple Intelligence. The lack of AI functionality has prompted criticism online. Some users suggest it may lead potential buyers to consider Android devices, which could affect Apple’s market share in China.

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🔗 Source: Kuai Tech

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ AI capabilities are reshaping smartphone market dynamics in China

Apple’s removal of AI mentions from its China website highlights a broader trend where artificial intelligence features are becoming critical differentiators in the smartphone market.

iPhone sales in China declined by 5% due to competition from local brands with advanced AI features, according to Counterpoint Research data 1.

This competitive pressure is likely to increase, as industry forecasts predict that by 2025, over 30% of smartphones shipped globally will feature on-device generative AI capabilities 2.

Consumer behavior is shifting in response, with research showing that 50% of consumers aged 24-45 express willingness to upgrade specifically for generative AI features 2.

The importance of AI in the smartphone market is further evidenced by the Chinese government’s subsidies aimed at boosting sales of domestic brands incorporating advanced AI technologies 3.

2️⃣ Chinese tech giants accelerate AI development as domestic competition intensifies

While Apple navigates challenges with its AI rollout in China, local tech giants Baidu and Alibaba are rapidly advancing their AI capabilities through significant investments and new product launches.

Baidu has overhauled its search platform with AI, marking its most significant update in a decade, specifically to compete with emerging rivals like DeepSeek, which has already attracted 250 million users by February 2025 4, 5.

The competitive landscape is evident in Baidu’s cloud business growth of 42% year-over-year, exceeding analyst expectations, while Alibaba’s AI-related product revenue maintains triple-digit growth rates 6, 7.

Both companies have launched sophisticated AI models – Alibaba’s Qwen 3 with 235 billion parameters and Baidu’s ERNIE 4.5 Turbo – demonstrating capabilities comparable to Western counterparts but at significantly lower costs 8.

This intense domestic competition is creating a robust AI ecosystem in China, with emerging trends including AI agent marketplaces and enhanced multimodal capabilities 5.

3️⃣ The interplay between regulatory compliance and innovation shapes tech strategies in China

Apple’s AI rollout delays in China highlight the complex balance companies must maintain between innovation and regulatory compliance in the Chinese market.

Apple’s historical stance on privacy is evident in its reported refusal to provide source code to Chinese authorities in 2016, demonstrating the ongoing tension between maintaining global standards and meeting local requirements 9.

The delay in bringing Apple Intelligence to mainland China reflects these regulatory complexities, with the company explicitly stating that the feature is unavailable on iPhones purchased in mainland China, regardless of Apple ID region settings.

This regulatory navigation affects market performance, with Huawei projected to reclaim the top position in the Chinese smartphone market, benefiting from government support while effectively meeting local compliance requirements 3.

The situation illustrates how regulatory frameworks can significantly impact product development timelines and feature availability, creating advantages for companies more aligned with local requirements and standards.

Recent Apple developments

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