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Apple Faces Uphill Battle to Release AI Models in China
Apple is facing a challenging and lengthy process to release its own artificial intelligence models for iPhones and other products in China, with a top Beijing official warning that foreign companies will need to partner with local groups to gain approval.
Apple Chief Tim Cook’s Visit to China
Apple chief Tim Cook arrived in China on Monday for his third visit of the year, as the company tries to navigate the country’s complex regulatory regime and bring its Apple Intelligence to devices sold in the country. The US group has been holding talks with Chinese tech companies to help power Apple Intelligence in the country, and last month it began rolling out the suite of AI features in the US on iPhones and other devices.
Partnership with Chinese Tech Companies
Apple has considered running its own large language models in China, according to two people familiar with the matter. However, a top Chinese tech regulator told the Financial Times that foreign groups like Apple would face a lengthy and complex approval process to run their own models and indicated partnering with locals was their best option.
Regulatory Process
The Chinese official at the Cyberspace Administration of China said it would be a relatively "simple and straightforward approval process" for foreign device makers to use already vetted LLMs from Chinese groups. All companies seeking to offer generative AI services to the public must go through an approval process that typically involves official testing of their LLMs.
Conclusion
Apple’s sales in China have faltered amid a top-down campaign to cut iPhone usage among Chinese state employees and a nationalist backlash over thorny US-China relations. The return of national champion Huawei, which has already integrated its generative AI offerings into its latest devices, poses another threat to Apple’s prospects in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Apple’s plan to release AI models in China?
A: Apple is facing a challenging and lengthy process to release its own AI models in China, with a top Beijing official warning that foreign companies will need to partner with local groups to gain approval.
Q: What is the regulatory process for offering generative AI services in China?
A: All companies seeking to offer generative AI services to the public must go through an approval process that typically involves official testing of their LLMs.
Q: What is the outlook for Apple’s sales in China?
A: Apple’s sales in China have faltered amid a top-down campaign to cut iPhone usage among Chinese state employees and a nationalist backlash over thorny US-China relations. The return of national champion Huawei poses another threat to Apple’s prospects in the country.
