Apple’s AI cooperation in China: Is there a risk of intervention in US politics?

With Alibaba, Apple finally found a partner who enables the iPhone manufacturer to bring his Apple Intelligence to China. Now the government in the home country of Apple’s home, the USA, could prevent cooperation. Because there is great concern that China could be supported by the deal in his efforts for better AI models.

When Apple presented his AI function package Apple Intelligence in June 2024, some questions remained open: What about the European Union that Apple is particularly looking at as a result of its digital laws? And what about the important market in China, where Apple has been able to generate clear growth for years? In both cases, there was initially no starting date for the Apple Intelligence.

Apple needs a local partner

While Apple was finally able to help itself in Europe and the AI ​​functions launched, the Chinese government expected Apple to bring a local partner on board. This was apparently also searched for months until the large group Alibaba was found with a suitable partner with which one wanted to start. Finding a partner was an important milestone for Apple, as the company is particularly under pressure in view of the strengthening Chinese competition, the great need for user after Ki in China and the influence of the Chinese government there. With a fifth of sales sales worldwide, China is also very important for Apple.

In the United States, however, there are fears in politics that China’s AI influence could increase worldwide if Apple does a common cause with Alibaba. Chinese chatbots with censorship boundaries could open the door and China’s influence on Apple, reports the New York Times And relies on sources that are not named.

Many questions remain open

Apple has so far not been able to answer questions about the agreement and data exchange about the satisfaction of the White House, the report says. There have already been several meetings with the company’s lobbyists and managers. The Apple deal is also hung up in the US government because AI is increasingly being viewed as a potential military instrument. AI could control drone fleets and coordinate attacks. In view of the tensions between China and the USA, one wants to prevent China from being able to improve its skills in this area.

The criticism of Apple’s cooperation with Alibaba exceeds the party borders. The US government is supposed to discuss Alibaba on a list of companies that US companies are no longer allowed to work with. This would destroy Apple’s plan. Apple has not officially confirmed the cooperation. She was public through Alibaba. So far, there is also no starting date for the Apple Intelligence in China.