On October 14, 2026, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that updated network-access permit entries from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) list Apple Intelligence and two Alibaba AI systems for several iPhone models. Apple’s support guidance still says Apple Intelligence features do not currently work on supported devices purchased in mainland China. SCMP’s report describes a regulatory development, not a consumer launch.
What SCMP reported about the MIIT permits
SCMP reported that the entries name Apple Intelligence, Tongyi Qianwen (Qwen) and Tongyi Wanxiang for iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and several earlier iPhone models. The earlier models were not identified in NeoTeo’s previous coverage of SCMP’s report.
The MIIT report is separate from an earlier regulatory development: NeoTeo’s previous coverage said Reuters reported a Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) registration announcement on July 15, 2026. That report concerned a different authority and action.
What Apple says about using the features in mainland China
Apple’s support guidance, dated July 7, 2026, says Apple Intelligence features do not currently work on supported devices purchased in mainland China. For a supported device purchased elsewhere, Apple says the features also do not currently work when the user is in mainland China and the Apple Account country or region is mainland China. Apple’s support guidance lists iPhone 15 Pro models and iPhone 16 models or later among the compatible iPhones; regional access is a separate condition.
Apple also says previously purchased devices that support Apple Intelligence will be able to activate and use the features in mainland China when they become available there. For owners asking about a China-market CH/A iPhone, that guidance makes device support the relevant condition. Apple’s feature-availability page separately lists Siri AI as unavailable in mainland China.
