Apple Intelligence to reach China with iOS 27.3, but without Siri AI
Apple reportedly plans to switch on Apple Intelligence in China with iOS 27.3 using Alibaba's Qwen models, while the new Siri, Image Playground and some writing tools stay off.
Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI features Apple introduced with iOS 18 in 2024, is set to launch for users in China with the iOS 27.3 update, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, in reporting that surfaced on October 17, 2026. The Chinese version will reportedly be noticeably more limited than in other markets. Apple has not publicly confirmed the plan.
Alibaba instead of Gemini
Rather than relying on Google Gemini, Apple will reportedly partner with Alibaba for its AI infrastructure in China. Alibaba's Qwen model is expected to power most of the general-purpose features, while its Tongyi Wanxiang model will handle image and video generation, enabling AI-assisted photo editing tools for Chinese users.
The biggest gap will be the AI-powered Siri. Apple is said not to be enabling the new Siri experience in China with iOS 27.3. Text generation features in some apps are also expected to remain disabled.
Image Playground will be missing as well. Although Tongyi Wanxiang can generate images and video, local rules reportedly prevent Apple from offering the feature in the country. The report stresses that the restrictions stem from Chinese regulation rather than technical shortcomings.
Europe faces limits too
China is not the only market with regional carve-outs. In the European Union, the new Siri is still unavailable on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Apple said in September that Mac and Apple Vision Pro users in Europe could access the features by selecting a supported language, but that they would not initially ship on iOS, iPadOS and watchOS.
Gurman expects the AI Siri to arrive in neither China nor the EU any time soon. That leaves Apple Intelligence as a patchwork product, with a uniform global feature set dependent on Apple clearing local legal and regulatory hurdles in each region.
China is one of Apple's most important markets, and the long absence of its AI features there has been a weak spot against local smartphone rivals. Launching even a pared-down version through a domestic partner suggests Apple is prioritising a presence over parity.
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