Apple had initially set its sights on introducing the AI capability, dubbed 'Apple Intelligence,' to the Chinese market by mid - 2025. Nevertheless, owing to technical snags in the research and development (R&D) phase, along with the intricate nature of deploying this feature in China, the rollout has been pushed back yet again.

The iOS 26.1 and 26.2 system updates, which were initially slated to incorporate this AI feature, have already been rolled out. However, the anticipated functionality is still absent. Recent reports suggest that Apple might shift its target to the iOS 26.4 version, aiming to launch it alongside the new - generation Siri. That said, there remains a degree of internal uncertainty surrounding the precise launch timeline.

Since its overseas debut, Apple's AI has garnered a mixed bag of reviews. Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated that the new - generation Siri is still on track for a 2026 release. Moreover, Apple continues to maintain an open stance towards mergers and acquisitions in the artificial intelligence sphere.

Financial reports reveal that Apple's total revenue for the fourth fiscal quarter hit a record high for the corresponding period. Yet, revenue in the Greater China region saw a 3.6% decline, marking it as the sole market where revenue took a hit. The continued delay in Apple's China entry plan could potentially place the company at a competitive disadvantage when pitted against domestic smartphone manufacturers.