Apple has chosen Baidu to deliver generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology for its iPhone 16 and other devices in mainland China this year, per Chinese media report.
According to SCMP, citing a report from China Star Market, a Shanghai United Media Group publication, Apple will include Baidu's Ernie Bot in its Chinese iPhone 16, Mac OS, and iOS 18. Alibaba Group Holding and a Tsinghua University AI startup also had talks with the US tech giant.
The article, citing unidentified sources, said China chose Baidu's AI technology for compliance. Apple will use local technology in China, but its own AI approach will be used outside of China.
The move of Apple choosing Baidu to deliver generative AI technology for its iPhone 16 and other devices comes amid challenges of iPhone innovation stagnation and regional competition from Huawei.
Meanwhile, Baidu's stock price rose to 6% in Hong Kong on Monday morning, finishing at HK$100.7, up 2.55%. Baidu and Apple did not reply to demands for comment on the allegations.
The Wall Street Journal previously disclosed that Apple was in discussions to use Baidu's generative AI technology in its Chinese goods. The US tech giant was reportedly seeking external partnerships to expedite its AI initiatives and has discussed integrating Google and OpenAI's technology into its mobile features.
Apple pursued a local generative AI model supplier in China since the Chinese government's internet authority must verify such models before distribution. Consequently, Apple has partnered with Baidu to comply with Chinese restrictions.
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Apple's Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook attends the China Development Forum in Beijing on March 24, 2024.
This development follows Apple CEO Tim Cook's revelation that Apple Vision Pro will debut in mainland China later this year at the China Development Forum in Beijing, as reported by TechTimes.
Tim Cook's statement was in reaction to media questioning regarding the Apple Vision Pro China premiere, according to Reuters, which quoted CCTV Finance on Weibo. Apple wants to grow its Chinese market share, according to the Apple chief executive.
AI Can Significantly Help in Addressing Climate Change
Moreover, Apple CEO Tim Cook also discussed climate change at the China Development Forum on Sunday. The Apple top executive noted that artificial intelligence AI might help firms reduce their carbon footprint, improve recycling, and more.
Cook said AI gives organizations trying to become carbon neutral or cut emissions a broad choice of instruments. He underlined that AI can help determine a person's carbon footprint, locate goods that may be recovered, and provide practical recycling solutions.
Apple aims for net-zero climate impact by 2030. Today, its worldwide business operations are carbon neutral, including product life cycle and manufacturing supply networks. The firm also will eliminate plastic from its packaging by 2025.
Boosting Apple's Performance in China
Tim Cook visited China and was intrigued by its industrial center status, resulting a pledge to increase Apple's investment in research and development investment in the country. Chinese state-owned media prominently covered Cook's statements without disclosing investment figures.
Furthermore, Apple CEO Tim Cook praised China's skilled workforce and advanced manufacturing capabilities, emphasizing the country's supply chain's significance to Apple's company.
Tim Cook's visit to China is vital for Apple to preserve its market dominance. Counterpoint Research reports a 24% dip in iPhone sales in the first half of the year.
