- Apple accidentally pushed Apple Intelligence to some Chinese users who updated their iOS operating systems on March 31, but pulled the feature after about three hours.
- Apple said the launch of Apple Intelligence in China depends on regulatory approval.
Apple accidentally opened Apple Intelligence to Chinese users in a system update, reigniting expectations for AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities on its devices, despite it being subsequently withdrawn.
The US tech giant unexpectedly rolled out Apple Intelligence to some Chinese users who had updated their iOS operating systems on March 31, but reversed the feature about three hours later.
The roll-out brought features including real-time translation, visual analysis, photo cleanup, collaboration tools, and Genmoji, according to screenshots shared by some users on social media.
The unexpected launch of Apple Intelligence in China occurred while the feature has yet to receive formal approval from Chinese regulators.
In a response to Chinese media later on Tuesday, Apple said that Chinese devices were briefly able to download and enable the feature, which has now been fixed, adding that the launch timeline depends on regulatory approval.
"The roll-out timing of Apple Intelligence depends on regulatory approval, and we are actively pushing for its launch in China," Apple said, according to a report by local media outlet Cailian.
Apple first introduced Apple Intelligence features at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024, bringing AI capabilities to mobile devices such as the iPhone.
As of now, the feature is already available in regions including North America and the European Union.
