Alibaba co-founder and board chairman Joseph Tsai has confirmed an AI partnership with Apple.

According to The information, Apple is teaming up with Alibaba to develop Apple Intelligence features for iPhones in China.

Tuesday's report claimed that the two companies have jointly developed the AI function and that it has been submitted to China's internet regulator for approval.

Tsai responded to rumors of an Alibaba-Apple partnership at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday.

He said Apple needs a localized partner in China for their phones.

"Apple has been very selective and they talked to a number of companies in China. In the end, they chose to do business with us."

Tsai added, "We are very lucky and honored to be able to do business with a great company like Apple."