Apple Intelligence may never launch in China. The Chinese government is currently in talks with Apple about its generative AI, and as expected, the situation is more complex than elsewhere in the world. Tim Cook is also on hand to discuss this subject.
A more complicated agreement than in Europe
A senior Chinese government official once again says it will be very difficult for Apple Intelligence to officially launch in China. Apple’s generative artificial intelligence must meet numerous restrictions before it can be legally deployed in the country. He describes the validation process as “long and difficult”.
Among the Chinese government’s requirements, the most important is the need to collaborate with a Chinese company, an essential step to obtain regulator approval for the import of foreign generative AI. Apple CEO Tim Cook is currently in China for the third time this year. He is participating in a conference with many international business leaders, as well as representatives of the Chinese government including the Prime Minister. A crucial moment to ease tensions and find compromises on delicate subjects such as generative AI.
Geopolitical and technological tensions between China and the United States are not new. The two countries recognize their interdependence in certain areas, but do not forget their rivalry to become or remain the leading world power. The United States often accuses China of spying via technology, as the TikTok affair illustrates, but it also works the other way. Given the power of generative AI, it is unthinkable for China to allow the easy implantation of an American model into the electronic devices of its citizens.
Long discussions are expected in the coming months. If a compromise were to be found, it is suggested that Apple Intelligence will not arrive before the end of 2025 in China at best. It could also be slightly different from the American or European version. Ultimately, it’s not so bad Apple Intelligence in April for France.
