Now Reading: Apple trains own AI model with Alibaba for China launch
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Apple trains own AI model with Alibaba for China launch
Apple has trained a large language model (LLM) specifically for the Chinese market in partnership with Alibaba, according to a Reuters report cited by Livemint and NDTV Profit. The move marks a…
The Story in Brief
Apple has trained a large language model (LLM) specifically for the Chinese market in partnership with Alibaba, according to a Reuters report cited by Livemint and NDTV Profit. The move marks a departure from Apple's global strategy of relying on third-party AI providers like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. The company expects to launch Apple Intelligence in China in the coming months after a future iOS update, possibly iOS 27 next month.
Apple partnered with Alibaba to incorporate its Qwen model into devices sold in China, including iPhones, iPads, Macs and Vision Pro models. The tech giant also uses technology from Baidu. The Cyberspace Administration of China registered Apple's generative AI services last month, clearing a regulatory path. China's internet watchdog registered Apple's services last month. If approved, Apple would be the only Western company offering its proprietary AI model in the country.
The Indian Opinion
A familiar narrative paints Apple as a beleaguered giant losing to Chinese rivals like Huawei. The Alibaba tie-up tells a different story: Apple may be the first Western firm to get its own AI model past China's censorship regime. The real test will be whether Chinese consumers notice a difference between Apple's model and the local rivals they already use. Apple's market share in China has slipped, and a clever AI feature will not matter if the hardware remains priced at a premium over domestic flagships.
Sources (2): livemint.com, ndtvprofit.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
