Alibaba (BABA, Financial) has released versions of its Qwen3 AI models for Apple's (AAPL, Financial) new MLX architecture, enabling the deep-learning frameworks to run natively on iPhone, iPad, MacBook and Mac.
This move could clear the path for Apple Intelligence features—like Genmoji and Writing Tools—to arrive in mainland China, where regulations have required Apple to partner with local tech giants. According to Reuters, Alibaba's Qwen3 adaptations demonstrate full compatibility with Apple's on-device neural engines, suggesting that heavyweight models can operate without routing data offshore.
Apple has been trailing its U.S. rollout of Apple Intelligence in China amid U.S.–China trade tensions; this collaboration signals progress toward a localized launch. On the consumer side, Counterpoint Research data show that Apple reclaimed the top spot for iPhone sales in China in May, and global iPhone sell-through climbed roughly 15% year-over-year across April and May—underscoring the strength of Apple's installed base as a runway for on-device AI.
Right now, Wall Street's consensus 12-month target for Alibaba sits at about $159.7—around a 37% jump from today's levels—while the most optimistic forecasts push as high as $189 and the skeptics cluster near $102. That $102 area also roughly matches GuruFocus's own DCF fair value estimate of $100.8, so analysts overall are taking a rosier view. Whether Alibaba can close that gap really comes down to a rebound in Chinese consumer spending and any easing of Beijing's regulatory grip.
