Apple Intelligence, recently expanded to eight more languages with iOS 18.4, remains unavailable on devices purchased in China due to local regulations, frustrating users who expected the feature after updating their iPhones, iPads, or Macs.
Initially launched with only US English support in iOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence was inaccessible in both the EU and China. While iOS 18.4 unlocked the feature for EU users with some local language support, China remains restricted.
This restriction means that even if a user bought a device in China and then changes their settings or uses the device outside of China, Apple Intelligence will not be available. One reader detailed buying an iPhone in China and still not seeing Apple Intelligence after leaving the country.
According to Apple’s website, “Apple Intelligence will not currently work for supported devices purchased in China mainland. For supported devices purchased outside China mainland, Apple Intelligence will not currently work if you are in China mainland and if your Apple Account Country/Region is also in China mainland.”
To check if your iPhone, iPad, or Mac was purchased in China, follow these steps:
- On iPhone and iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Look for “Model Number.”
- On Mac:
- Go to the Apple menu.
- Click About this Mac.
- Click More Info.
- Scroll down and open System Report.
- Look for “Model Number” in the Hardware tab.
If the Model Number ends with “CH/A,” the device is designed for the Chinese market, and Apple Intelligence will not be available.
Apple is partnering with Alibaba to bring Apple Intelligence to iPhone users in China, developing a system that complies with local laws, according to Bloomberg. It is expected that users with Chinese devices will eventually be able to use Apple Intelligence globally once the feature officially launches in China; however, no workaround currently exists.
