Apple is expanding its artificial intelligence features in China by allowing eligible Mac users to connect Alibaba’s Qwen AI service with Siri and Writing Tools.
The new option gives Mac users in mainland China access to more advanced AI features while using Apple’s built-in software. Users can connect their Qwen account and use the AI service through Siri for certain requests that need more detailed answers.
Qwen is Alibaba’s family of generative AI models. It can understand user questions, generate written content, create images, and analyze information from documents and photos.
With the new integration, Siri can use Qwen when users need help with more complex requests. For example, users may be able to ask questions about a photo or document and receive a more detailed AI-generated response.
Apple’s Writing Tools can also use Qwen to help users create content. A person could provide a description or instruction and use the AI service to produce text or images directly through supported Apple features.
The integration is currently designed for eligible Macs in mainland China running macOS 26.6 or newer. Users need to activate the Qwen AI extension and sign in with a Qwen account before using the service.
Privacy is also an important part of the setup. According to Apple’s guidance for the feature, material sent through the integration cannot be used by Alibaba to train or improve its AI models. This could help Apple reassure users who are concerned about how their documents, photos, and other information are handled by AI services.
The move is especially important for Apple because competition in China’s computer market has become stronger. Local technology companies such as Lenovo and Huawei are increasingly adding their own AI features to computers and operating systems.
By connecting Qwen with Siri and Writing Tools, Apple can offer more capable generative AI features while continuing to keep the main experience inside macOS.
The partnership is also valuable for Alibaba. Qwen has mainly grown through Alibaba’s own products, cloud services, and AI platforms. Integration with Apple devices could introduce the technology to a much wider group of everyday users.
Alibaba has previously indicated that Qwen could become part of Apple Intelligence across several Apple products in China, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. However, Apple’s latest setup instructions specifically cover Macs.
For Apple, the Qwen integration shows how the company is adapting its AI strategy for different markets. Instead of relying on the same external AI provider everywhere, Apple can work with regional partners that meet local requirements.
As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of personal computers, partnerships like this could become increasingly important. Apple’s latest move gives Mac users in China more AI capabilities while strengthening the company’s position in one of the world’s largest technology markets.
