Test run gone wrong? Apple Intelligence hits China early before approval, then disappears

Apple’s artificial intelligence push in China hit an unexpected twist after its much-anticipated features briefly appeared for iPhone users, only to be withdrawn soon after, highlighting the regulatory hurdles the company continues to face in the market.

The AI suite, branded as Apple Intelligence, was first rolled out in the United States in October 2024 and has since been gradually introduced across several global markets. China, however, has remained a key gap in that expansion due to its strict controls on foreign AI technologies.

In recent days, users in China reported spotting the feature on their iPhones, with some noting its availability through the Settings app after updating to iOS 26.4. The sudden appearance led many to believe that Apple had quietly initiated its long-delayed rollout in the country, even though the company did not make any official announcement.

The features were, however, pulled shortly after, suggesting that the rollout may have been premature or unapproved.

Apple’s delay in launching its AI capabilities in China is largely tied to regulatory requirements enforced by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which mandates that all AI models undergo testing and approval before being made available to users.

To navigate these restrictions, Apple Inc. has been working with Alibaba Group to develop compliant AI services for the Chinese market. However, the approval process has reportedly been slow, contributing to delays in the official launch.

Meanwhile, domestic rivals such as Huawei and Xiaomi have already integrated a range of AI-driven features into their smartphones, intensifying competition and putting Apple at a relative disadvantage in the fast-evolving AI race in China.