In the current domestic mobile phone market, a trend is swiftly gaining momentum—the integration of AI assistants. Renowned manufacturers have either adapted or declared their intention to adopt AI technology soon, with user feedback generally positive. As user numbers surge, there's a pressing need to address server capacity. Given domestic users' enthusiasm for AI, one might logically expect Apple to follow suit promptly. However, current indications suggest otherwise, as Apple appears to have chosen Alibaba as its partner.

With the provider set, the only question remaining is timing. Rumors circulated online suggesting an April release, but lacking official confirmation, they were met with skepticism. Now, Apple has confirmed that the AI function will debut alongside iOS 18.4 in April.

Admittedly, Apple's entry into this field is relatively late. Domestic competitors not only support AI but also boast exclusive assistants. Apple, on the other hand, lags behind with Siri, whose AI capabilities are deemed average. This dissatisfaction has even led to unflattering nicknames for Siri. Like with 5G, if Apple doesn't accelerate its AI efforts, the gap with competitors will widen. To catch up, partnering with a third-party seems inevitable.

As mentioned, Apple tested other options but ultimately chose Alibaba. Deepseek's capabilities fell short of Apple's standards, though the specifics remain undisclosed. It's speculated that Apple seeks a multimodal AI, capable of handling not just text but also images, videos, and more. Hence, the choice of Alibaba.

Deepseek is aware of its limitations. For instance, news suggests that Deepseek-R1 is venturing into visual AI, but it's in its infancy and needs time to mature, which could hinder its integration with Apple. Furthermore, Alibaba excels in network servers, offering greater stability. With Apple's hardware backing, Alibaba's AI development will accelerate significantly.

Apple's official stance remains cautious, stating that while iOS 18.4 will support AI, it's contingent on domestic approvals. However, barring unforeseen circumstances, a global simultaneous release is likely. Evidence includes leaked screenshots of the Apple AI settings page in iOS, indicating advanced testing and deep Siri integration.

In about two months, eligible Chinese iPhone users will experience Apple's AI firsthand, undoubtedly sparking numerous online discussions and reviews.