Apple Incorporated plans to launch its artificial intelligence platform in mainland China in December as part of the iOS 27.3 update, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.
The release will bring AI features that were first introduced in the United States two years ago to the iPhone, iPad and Mac in China. However, the new Siri AI assistant and other features announced this year will not be included in the December rollout.
Apple received preliminary approval in July to introduce Apple Intelligence in China and has since held further discussions with the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to secure clearance for its consumer launch.
The planned release follows several delays as Apple navigated the Chinese government’s approval process.
The company initially expected to launch the platform in May 2025, but the timeline was pushed back to the end of that year and subsequently to spring 2026.
The December launch would mark a further step in Apple’s efforts to bring its AI capabilities to the Chinese market after years of preparation and delays linked to regulatory approval.
