Apple may be edging closer to launching Apple Intelligence in China, based on a newly discovered feedback form on the company’s website. The form requires users to enter a +86 phone number, strongly indicating that it is intended exclusively for Apple users in China rather than Chinese-speaking customers elsewhere.
The feedback portal appears designed to gather user insight about Apple Intelligence features — including how they work, how content is handled, and whether privacy expectations are met. While Apple has released AI-powered features globally since the debut of iOS 18, none of these capabilities have been made available in China due to regulatory requirements and AI partnership restrictions.
⭐ What Users Can Provide Feedback On
The new feedback form allows Chinese customers to weigh in on nearly every major Apple Intelligence feature, including:
- Writing Tools (Rewrite, Proofread, Summaries)
- Photos Clean Up
- Priority notifications & summaries
- Reduce Interruptions Focus mode
- Smart Reply in Mail & Messages
- Summaries in Mail, Messages, Safari, and Notes call recordings
These are the same features currently rolling out internationally on iPhone, iPad, and Mac — further suggesting Apple is preparing the groundwork for a China launch.
⭐ Apple Intelligence Still Unavailable in China
Although Apple Intelligence has been a core part of Apple’s software strategy since iOS 18, none of the features are active in China at this time.
This is because:
- China requires foreign companies to use locally approved AI models.
- Apple must comply with Chinese data and privacy laws.
- Apple Intelligence relies on cloud-based processing, which must be handled regionally.
To satisfy these requirements, Apple began working with Alibaba earlier this year to deploy AI capabilities powered by Alibaba’s local large language models.
However, the rollout was delayed in June due to trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which created regulatory barriers and slowed approval timelines.
⭐ A Trade Truce May Clear the Path Forward
The United States and China have recently reached a trade and tariff truce, reducing political friction that previously hindered Apple’s plans.
This new environment may give Apple the opening it needs to:
- finalize its AI partnership with Alibaba
- secure regulatory approval
- begin enabling Apple Intelligence features in China
The timing lines up with speculation that Apple could attempt to launch support before the end of 2025, depending on government approval.
⭐ Could Apple Intelligence Arrive in iOS 26.2?
iOS 26.2 is expected to be Apple’s final major software update of the year. If Apple receives clearance in time, it could theoretically enable Apple Intelligence for Chinese users in that release.
However:
- current iOS 26.2 betas show no signs of China-specific AI support
- neither Apple nor Alibaba have offered a timeline
- regulatory approval could still shift unexpectedly
For now, the feedback form is the strongest hint yet that Apple is actively preparing for rollout — but launch timing remains uncertain.
⭐ What This Means for Apple Users in China
The appearance of a China-specific Apple Intelligence feedback page signals:
- Apple is in the final stages of testing and regulatory preparation
- localization and data-handling systems may be nearing completion
- Apple likely expects government approval in the near future
Once approved, China will become one of the last major regions to join the Apple Intelligence rollout — marking a significant expansion for Apple’s AI ecosystem.
