Apple Explores Partnership with Baidu for AI Technology in Chinese Devices
Apple is reportedly in talks with Chinese tech giant Baidu to license its artificial intelligence models for use in Chinese devices. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, Apple is looking for local generative AI providers in China to meet the country’s regulatory requirements for using AI technology.
Chinese law mandates that large AI models must be approved by regulatory agencies before they can be utilized. Baidu’s Wenxinyiyan model is among the 40 models that have been approved by domestic regulators so far.
In addition to discussions with Baidu, Apple has also been exploring partnerships with other AI providers like Google and OpenAI for its upcoming iOS 18 release. While no deals have been finalized yet, negotiations are ongoing and an agreement may be reached before Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
The iOS 18 update is expected to bring a host of new AI features to Apple devices, with some tasks being handled on the device itself and others relying on backend models running in the cloud.
Apple isn’t the only tech giant looking to forge partnerships with Baidu in the AI space. Samsung recently announced a strategic partnership with Baidu’s Smart Cloud at the launch of its Galaxy S24 series in China. The new Galaxy AI feature on the Samsung S24 series integrates Baidu’s large models for functions like call and translation assistance, as well as intelligent summarization and typesetting capabilities.
As the demand for AI technology continues to grow in China, partnerships like these are crucial for tech companies looking to stay competitive in the market. The potential collaboration between Apple and Baidu could pave the way for exciting AI innovations in Chinese devices in the near future.