Apple’s much-anticipated Apple Intelligence platform, expected to launch in China this April, now faces a delay until the release of iOS 18.6. Despite support for Simplified Chinese being added in iOS 18.4, the actual functionality remains unavailable in the country.
Language Support ≠ Market Access
While Apple added multiple new languages, including Chinese, in iOS 18.4, full availability of Apple Intelligence in China involves far more than just language compatibility. The feature was absent in all four beta versions of iOS 18.5, leading to reports—most notably from Bloomberg—that China won’t see a launch until at least June, after Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Regulatory Roadblocks and Censorship
China’s strict regulations have significantly slowed Apple’s rollout. To navigate these challenges, Apple partnered with Alibaba, aiming to meet local legal and logistical standards. However, even with this collaboration, progress has been slow. Notably, the version of Apple Intelligence expected in China will be censored, raising concerns about content control and data privacy.
Why It Matters
Apple Intelligence is a cornerstone of Apple’s future product strategy, tightly integrated with new hardware and software ecosystems. The delayed release in one of the world’s largest tech markets could hinder adoption and limit global cohesion for Apple’s AI rollout.
Despite this, Apple seems committed to launching in China, albeit cautiously. The company is balancing innovation with local compliance—a dance many tech giants must perform in today’s global landscape.
