Apple’s AI delay dents iPhone 16 enthusiasm in China, as Huawei gets ready to pounce
The Chinese language version of Apple Intelligence will only become available in 2025, with no words on whether it will land on the mainland
The Cupertino, California-based smartphone maker on Monday unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, its first AI-powered smartphone line-up. While many Chinese users have expressed excitement about Apple Intelligence, the firm’s on-device AI system, others pointed out that the feature will not be available in the Chinese language until next year.
Some consumers also questioned whether Apple’s promise to roll out the AI function in Chinese-speaking regions will cover the mainland, where generative AI technology is heavily regulated. To date, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved 188 large language models for public use in the country, none of which are released by foreign companies.
Globally, Apple’s built-in AI is powered in part by OpenAI’s GPT models, which have not been made available in China. Apple said on its website that the launch date of its AI feature in China will depend on the decision of Chinese regulators.