Recently, Reuters reported that Apple is actively expanding its AI strategy in China. In order to improve the user experience of iPhones in the Chinese market, Apple is negotiating with Tencent and ByteDance to integrate the AI models of these two companies into iPhones sold in China. The move is part of Apple's AI system, Apple Intelligence, which launched the ChatGPT chatbot function in global markets this month. This cooperation will further enhance Apple's competitiveness in the Chinese market and also reflects its emphasis on localization needs.
According to Reuters, citing three people familiar with the matter, Apple is in talks with Tencent and ByteDance to explore integrating the two Chinese companies' artificial intelligence (AI) models into iPhones sold in the Chinese market. This move is part of Apple's AI system Apple Intelligence, and starting this month, Apple has integrated the ChatGPT chatbot function into iPhones in global markets.
According to people familiar with the matter, Apple’s discussions with Tencent and Bytedance mainly involve using the latter two’s AI models. The negotiations are still in the early stages and details have not yet been finalized.
It is worth noting that some media have previously reported that Apple had negotiated cooperation with Baidu, hoping to integrate Baidu's AI model into the iPhone, but the negotiations were blocked due to technical problems. The two sides disagree on whether to allow the use of iPhone user data to train AI models, which has become a major obstacle to cooperation.
As of press time, Byte, Apple and Tencent have not responded to requests for comment. Apple’s AI strategic move in the Chinese market demonstrates its emphasis on local adaptation and user experience. It also highlights the challenges and complexities faced by multinational technology companies in the Chinese market.
Apple’s move not only reflects its emphasis on the Chinese market, but also heralds fierce competition in the Chinese market for AI technology in the future. The final outcome of the cooperation remains to be seen.