Apple's Mac Manual Adds Qwen Section, Confirming Local Apple Intelligence Rollout
智东西 · wechat · 2026-08-08
Apple has quietly updated its Mac user manual with a new chapter detailing the integration of Alibaba's Qwen with Apple Intelligence. This marks the first official documentation confirming the specifics of Apple Intelligence's rollout in China.
Currently, Qwen is integrated into the Mac via Apple Intelligence extensions, primarily powering Siri Q&A and Writing Tools. The feature requires macOS 26.6 or later. Before invoking Qwen, Siri evaluates its suitability for the task and explicitly asks for user authorization when photos or files are involved.
This functionality is targeted at users in mainland China. Users located outside China, without a Chinese billing address, or using foreign-purchased devices will continue to default to ChatGPT for Apple Intelligence. Apple had previously completed the necessary generative AI service filings for Apple Intelligence in China and is also reportedly collaborating with Baidu on AI search features.
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