Apple is actively searching for alternative AI partners to enhance iPhone features in the Chinese mainland, where current AI functionalities are unavailable. This move comes as the company faces a decline in iPhone sales, its largest market.
The tech giant is reportedly in discussions with major Chinese internet firms ByteDance and Tencent, both leaders in their respective sectors of short video and instant messaging. These partnerships aim to integrate advanced AI services like ByteDance's Doubao and Tencent's Hunyuan into Apple devices.
Earlier talks with Baidu, another leading AI provider, stalled over data access concerns related to model training with iPhone user data. In addition to ByteDance and Tencent, Apple is also in talks with Zhipu AI, known for its innovative AutoGLM feature. AutoGLM allows users to perform complex tasks through simple text or voice commands, aligning closely with Apple's AI vision.
Zhipu AI has partnered with Honor, a prominent Chinese smartphone brand, to offer AutoGLM-based features. This collaboration could provide Apple with the necessary AI capabilities to enhance user experience without compromising data security.
Apple's approach contrasts with other smartphone manufacturers in China. Companies like Samsung have partnered with Baidu for AI integration, while domestic brands such as Huawei and Xiaomi are developing their own AI models to avoid cross-border data security issues.
The iPhone has seen a downturn in sales in China during 2024, particularly in the second quarter, where it dropped out of the top five phonemakers according to IDC. The competitive landscape for AI in China is intense, with hundreds of government-approved models competing for both individual and enterprise users.
A successful AI partnership could provide a significant boost to Apple, helping it regain market share and enhance the functionality of its devices in one of the world's most competitive tech markets.
Reference(s):
Apple in talks with ByteDance, Tencent for AI features in China
cgtn.com
