According to MacRumors, Apple has launched a new Apple Intelligence feedback form specifically for Chinese users that requires a +86 telephone number to submit feedback. The form covers major AI features including Writing Tools, Photos Clean Up, notification summaries, Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode, priority Mail messages, Smart Replies, and summaries across Mail, Messages, Safari, and Call Recordings in Notes. Apple has partnered with Alibaba to deliver Apple Intelligence in China since the iOS 18 launch, but rollout was delayed in June due to US-China trade tensions. The recent trade truce between the countries means regulatory approval could come soon, potentially enabling support in iOS 18.2 before year-end. No Apple Intelligence features are currently available in China, and neither Apple nor Alibaba have provided a specific release date.
The China AI Race Heats Up
This is actually a pretty big deal. China’s AI market is completely different from everywhere else Apple operates – they can’t just roll out their standard Apple Intelligence package. They need a local partner to handle the heavy lifting, and Alibaba’s their chosen horse in this race. But here’s the thing: Apple’s playing catch-up in a market where domestic players like Baidu, Tencent, and Alibaba itself already have mature AI offerings.
Think about it from a Chinese consumer’s perspective. They’ve been using local AI tools for years now. Will Apple Intelligence feel like a meaningful upgrade, or just another foreign service trying to play by Chinese rules? The fact that Apple’s specifically gathering feedback on features like Writing Tools and Smart Replies suggests they’re serious about localization. They can’t afford to launch something that feels “translated” rather than “native.”
The Regulatory Dance
So why has this taken so long? Basically, US-China tech tensions created a perfect storm of uncertainty. When Apple announced the Alibaba partnership back in June, the trade situation was looking pretty grim. Now with the recent truce, the path forward seems clearer. But let’s be real – regulatory approval in China is never straightforward, especially for AI services that handle user data and content.
The timing around iOS 18.2 is interesting though. If Apple can get this approved and implemented by year-end, that would be a pretty quick turnaround given the delays. But I’m skeptical – we haven’t seen any signs in the betas yet, and Apple’s being characteristically quiet about timelines. My guess? Early 2025 feels more realistic than a 2024 launch.
What’s Really at Stake Here
Look, China represents Apple’s third-largest market and a massive growth opportunity. They can’t afford to sit out the AI revolution there while local competitors keep innovating. This feedback form isn’t just about bug testing – it’s Apple’s way of showing Chinese regulators they’re taking localization and user concerns seriously.
And honestly, if Apple can make this partnership work with Alibaba, it could become a blueprint for how Western tech companies navigate China’s complex AI landscape. But the pressure’s on. Every month that passes without Apple Intelligence in China is another month that local players solidify their dominance. The question isn’t whether Apple will launch there – it’s whether they can do it in time to actually matter.
