Apple has secured regulatory approval to launch Apple Intelligence on iPhones in China, clearing a major obstacle that has kept its generative AI tools out of one of its most important markets for nearly two years.

China’s Cyberspace Administration has registered Apple’s on-device AI service for use on iPhones, paving the way for features including writing assistance, image generation, notification summaries and custom emojis.

However, Apple has not confirmed when the service will become available.

The Chinese version of Apple Intelligence will use technology supplied by local AI companies Alibaba and Baidu, as foreign generative AI services face strict regulatory and data requirements in the country.

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Alibaba confirmed its Qwen model would be integrated into Apple Intelligence experiences across iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS, providing text and image understanding and generation capabilities.

Baidu has also confirmed it is working with Apple to develop AI features for Chinese iPhone users, although the companies have not revealed how responsibilities will be divided between the two platforms.

The regulatory approval currently applies specifically to Apple Intelligence on iPhones, leaving the timing of support for Chinese iPads, Macs and Vision Pro headsets unclear.

Apple first introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 but was unable to release it in mainland China without partnering with an approved domestic AI provider.

The delay placed Apple at a disadvantage against Chinese smartphone makers including Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo, which have already rolled out generative AI features across their devices.

The approval comes as Apple shows signs of recovering in China and gaining ground across the wider smartphone market.

iPhone shipments in China increased more than 24% year-on-year during the second quarter of 2026, helping Apple regain the number two position behind Huawei.

The result follows recent Omdia figures showing Apple recorded its strongest global second quarter on record, capturing 20% of smartphone shipments despite the wider market falling 4%.

A local version of Apple Intelligence could encourage more Chinese consumers to upgrade their devices and help Apple defend its position against increasingly competitive domestic brands.

Apple has yet to comment publicly on the approval or provide a launch date.