Apple Suddenly "Downsizes" Self-Developed China-Specific Large Model, Trained in Collaboration with Alibaba

August 14th, according to sources familiar with the matter, Apple (AAPL.O) has trained a large language model for the Chinese market. This approach is different from its previous strategy of mainly relying on third-party models to support AI functions in the Chinese market.

The sources stated that this AI model was developed by Apple in collaboration with Alibaba and was trained with the support of the latter. The news of Apple training a China-specific AI model has never been reported before. Previously, Apple was more inclined to rely on models provided by local Chinese partners to introduce generative AI capabilities to iPhones and other devices sold in China.

Apple and Alibaba did not respond to media requests for comment. Sources said that Apple's AI toolkit, Apple Intelligence, is expected to be launched in China in the coming months after an iOS operating system update.