# Grasping Apple Intelligence and Its Accessibility in China
With the recent introduction of [iOS 18.4](https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/28/ios-18-4-release-notes-new-features/), Apple has broadened its AI functionality, now accommodating eight additional languages aside from English. Nonetheless, some users have encountered difficulties utilizing Apple Intelligence even after they upgraded their devices. This issue seems especially common among users who acquired their devices in China.
## Apple Intelligence Inaccessible on Chinese Devices
At the outset, when Apple debuted iOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence was available only in US English. Individuals across various regions could leverage the feature by adjusting their device’s language and region settings. However, Apple imposed restrictions on accessing Apple Intelligence in the European Union (EU) and China due to local laws.
Although iOS 18.4 has activated Apple Intelligence for users in the EU, including support for several local languages, the feature continues to be unavailable for devices obtained in China. This restriction is significant for users who have purchased an iPhone, iPad, or Mac in China, as they cannot enable Apple Intelligence, even if they modify their settings or utilize their devices in other regions.
One user expressed their dissatisfaction after buying an iPhone in China and subsequently discovering that Apple Intelligence was still unreachable after departing the country. Apple has clearly stated, “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,” as referenced on their [support page](https://support.apple.com/en-in/121115#:~:text=Apple%20Intelligence%20will%20not%20currently%20work%20for%20supported%20devices%20purchased,is%20also%20in%20China%20mainland).
## How to Determine if Your Device Was Bought in China
If you are uncertain whether your iPhone, iPad, or Mac was acquired in China, you can verify the model number. Here’s how:
### For iPhone and iPad:
1. Open the **Settings** app.
2. Tap **General**.
3. Tap **About**.
4. Look for **Model Number**.
### For Mac:
1. Navigate to the **Apple menu**.
2. Click **About This Mac**.
3. Click **More Info**.
4. Scroll down and select **System Report**.
5. Look for **Model Number** in the Hardware tab.
If the model number concludes with “**CH/A**,” it signifies that the device was specifically designed for the Chinese market, making Apple Intelligence unavailable.
## What Lies Ahead for Apple Intelligence in China?
In a recent development, [Apple has collaborated with Alibaba](https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/13/alibaba-chairman-officially-announces-apple-partnership-to-bring-iphone-ai-to-china/) to facilitate Apple Intelligence for users in China. A report by Bloomberg indicates that Apple is devising a new system to guarantee its AI features adhere to local regulations.
Once this feature is officially rolled out in China, users with devices purchased in the country might be able to enable Apple Intelligence globally. Until that moment, though, there is little that affected users can do to access these features.
## Conclusion
The deployment of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.4 has introduced thrilling new functionalities to users worldwide, but the restrictions on devices acquired in China underscore the challenges posed by local regulations. As Apple persists in its efforts to provide these features to Chinese users, it remains crucial for consumers to acknowledge the limitations tied to their devices. For the time being, users in China must await further updates from Apple to unlock the complete array of Apple Intelligence features.
