Apple is set to introduce its Apple Intelligence AI features to users in mainland China this December alongside the iOS 27.3 update, over two years after the technology launched in the United States. Despite this milestone, the crucial rebuilt Siri AI remains excluded from the release in China and is still not approved for the European Union market.
- Apple Intelligence arrives in China two years after US launch
- Rebuilt Siri AI excluded from China and EU releases
- Alibaba partnered to meet China's regulatory AI requirements
What happened
In December 2024, Apple will release its Apple Intelligence AI features in mainland China for the first time, delivered via the iOS 27.3 update. This rollout brings Apple’s 2024 AI toolset—including Genmoji, notification summaries, writing tools, and photo object removal—to Chinese users. The launch excludes the rebuilt Siri AI and newer camera and visual intelligence enhancements that debuted more recently.
What to watch next
In the coming months, close attention will fall on user reactions and adoption rates of Apple Intelligence in China, particularly given the absence of several anticipated features like the rebuilt Siri and image generation capabilities. Observers will also watch how the collaboration with Alibaba and Baidu evolves and whether Apple can expand its AI offerings within China’s regulatory framework over time.