You can’t use Apple Intelligence on devices purchased in China

With the release of iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence now supports eight additional languages besides English. However, a small number of users have been complaining that they don’t see Apple Intelligence in the settings even after updating an eligible iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest software – and this may be related to having a device purchased in China.

Apple Intelligence not available on Chinese devices

When Apple released iOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence was only available in US English. While most users could try out the new features just by changing the device’s language and region settings, there were two regions where the AI features were unavailable: the EU and China.

In these two regions, Apple has restricted the availability of Apple Intelligence due to local legislation. While iOS 18.4 enables Apple Intelligence for users in the EU with support for some of the local languages, the features remain unavailable in China.

Why is this important? Because users who bought an iPhone, iPad, or Mac in China can’t enable Apple Intelligence even if they change the settings or use their device in another country. One of our readers bought a new iPhone in China while visiting the country. The person is no longer in China, but there’s still no sign of Apple Intelligence in the iOS settings.

“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,” Apple says on its website.

How to check if your iPhone, iPad or Mac was bought in China

There’s a way to check if you have a device bought in China. On iPhone and iPad, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Look for “Model Number.”

On the Mac:

1. Go to the Apple menu.
2. Click About this Mac.
3. Click More Info.
4. Scroll down and open System Report.
5. Look for “Model Number” in the Hardware tab.

If the Model Number ends with “CH/A,” the device is a version made specifically for the Chinese market – so Apple Intelligence won’t be available.

So what now?

Apple has officially partnered with Alibaba to enable Apple Intelligence for iPhone users in China. According to a Bloomberg report, the company has been working on a new system to ensure that its AI complies with local legislation.

Presumably, users with Chinese devices will be allowed to enable Apple Intelligence around the world once Apple officially launches the feature there. But for now, there’s nothing these customers can do.

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