Tim Cook's China visit is about getting Apple Intelligence into the country

Cook arrived in China on Monday to discuss supply chain issues with premier Li Qiang. As well as speaking with suppliers over US/China trade tensions, Cook was reportedly also there to specifically talk about Apple Intelligence.

According to the Financial Times, a source referred to as a top Chinese technology regulator, Apple is working to navigate China's complex regulations. It obviously wants to bring Apple Intelligence to its devices sold in the country, the hurdles for any US firm to do this alone are insurmountable.

The source at the Cyberspace Administration of China said Apple would face at least a lengthy and complex approval process. But it would be a comparatively "simple and straightforward approval process" if Apple were to use AI LLMs that the Chinese government had already vetted.

Consequently Cook is said to be continuing the talks with Chinese firms that Apple has initiated over the last few months. It's said that these discussions have included talks with Chinese search engine Baidu, as well as technology groups ByteDance and Moonshot.

Apple has not commented on the discussions taking place during Cook's present visit. But Cook himself did say in October 2024 that Apple was "working hard" on Apple Intelligence's China debut.

"There is a very specific regulatory process behind this, and we need to complete this process," he continued. "We also hope to bring it to Chinese consumers as soon as possible."

Cook said this during a visit to China with Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams. So far Cook has now been to China three times in 2024, while Williams has been at least twice.