Apple Inc. briefly enabled its Apple Intelligence features for iPhone users in China before retracting them, marking an apparent technical or procedural error ahead of official regulatory approval. The unintentional rollout highlighted the ongoing challenges Apple faces in introducing its AI suite to one of its most important markets.
Some users reported seeing the feature translated locally as “Apple Smart” available in their iPhone settings, sharing screenshots on social media. The interface appeared similar to the U.S. version launched in 2024. The update was removed shortly after, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple treated the incident as a mistake rather than a limited release or test.
Apple Intelligence, first launched in the United States in October 2024, has yet to clear China’s strict approval process. The Cyberspace Administration of China requires all AI models to undergo testing and certification before deployment, creating delays for foreign technology companies.
To meet local compliance standards, Apple has partnered with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Baidu Inc. Alibaba’s role includes developing on-device systems with content filtering functions, while Baidu supports Visual Intelligence and Siri features. Both companies have filed documentation with Chinese regulators, though the process has been slowed by broader U.S, China technology tensions.
Apple continues to face rising competitive pressure from domestic rivals. Huawei has introduced an agent-based AI framework for its smartphones, and ByteDance has partnered with ZTE on a device featuring a voice-driven assistant. Despite a 23% rise in iPhone sales in China during the first nine weeks of 2026, the absence of Apple Intelligence remains a notable gap in its premium offering. Bloomberg previously reported that the company has been testing its AI tools with employees in China and aims to include them in a future iOS 26 update once approvals are secured.
