Apple’s AI Finally Hits China via iOS 18.6, Backed by Alibaba and Baidu

　Apple’s long-delayed AI features are set to arrive in China with iOS 18.6, powered by local tech giants Alibaba and Baidu, according to tech insider Mark Gurman. The move comes after repeated delays due to regulatory hurdles and content compliance concerns.

　Baidu’s Ernie Bot will serve as the core AI engine for Apple’s China rollout, while Alibaba will handle content filtering to meet government rules. Apple’s AI tools, first launched globally in 2024, have struggled to enter the Chinese market, with earlier plans for iOS 18.4 and 18.5 pushed back multiple times.

　The iOS 18.6 beta is slated for late May, with a public release expected ahead of iOS 19’s debut at June’s WWDC event. Apple’s next-gen iOS 19 is rumored to include new AI upgrades, possibly integrating Google’s Gemini service.

　Meanwhile, Apple’s smartphone sales in China dropped 9% year-over-year in early 2025, sinking its market share to fifth place at 13.7%, per IDC data. Analysts say local rivals are outpacing Apple in the AI-driven device race.

　No pricing details were disclosed.