Apple has started rolling out initial artificial intelligence (AI) features in China, marking a significant step for the company in the world's largest smartphone market. However, CEO Tim Cook cautioned that a complete integration of a revamped Siri AI in China will take longer to achieve.

Mainland Chinese consumers will first receive a targeted set of Apple Intelligence capabilities, including the Clean Up photo-editing tool that enables users to erase unwanted objects from photos. "We are working now through the roll-out of those, and there will be more work required down the road for Siri AI, but we are at the front end of that," Cook said during an earnings call on Thursday afternoon California time.

This deployment follows Apple Intelligence's recent regulatory approval in China. To support these features on iPhones, Apple is collaborating with domestic companies such as Alibaba Group Holding and Baidu, two years after Apple Intelligence launched in other regions.

The rollout is crucial for Apple as it faces intense competition in China. Despite a 22% increase in total revenue across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau to US$18.8 billion for the quarter ending June 27, the figure fell short of Wall Street's US$19.6 billion estimate. Globally, Apple’s revenue grew 16% year-on-year to US$109.4 billion, driven by a 22% surge in iPhone sales.

Sources