Apple has released the beta version of iOS 26.5, which initially included the anticipated Apple Intelligence feature.
However, this feature was withdrawn almost immediately for users in China due to legal restrictions that prevent the availability of Apple’s artificial intelligence in the country without a partnership with a local company.
Apple seeks local partnerships to adapt to Chinese regulations regarding AI
Reports indicate that Apple is in negotiations with Baidu to facilitate its launch, although it has not yet received official approval from Chinese authorities.
Despite its presentation in June 2024 and its subsequent implementation in the United States and other markets, the arrival of Apple Intelligence in China has proven to be a complex challenge.
Chinese legislation requires foreign companies to collaborate with local partners to introduce services that involve the use of artificial intelligence, which has led Apple to consider how to protect its trade secrets and ensure user privacy at the same time.
Apple’s artificial intelligence is designed to operate largely on the device, thus preserving user privacy, although certain complex functionalities require the use of cloud servers, which are backed by certified security measures.
In order to meet these requirements, Apple has explored various partnerships, and although names like Alibaba and DeepSeek have been mentioned, it seems that collaboration with Baidu is the most likely.
Chinese users who had anticipated access to Apple Intelligence after the beta launch were disappointed to find that, after a few minutes, the functionalities were disabled.
The interface was renamed simply “Siri,” leaving expectations about future incorporations of this innovative technology in the Chinese market up in the air. The tech community is awaiting imminent statements from the authorities, which could allow for its reactivation in future beta versions of iOS.