Apple has confirmed that testing for iOS 27.3 will begin next week, bringing the first Apple Intelligence features to iPhone users in mainland China. According to Apple’s official announcement, testing starts November 4 through its latest developer beta, with the public release scheduled for December.
The announcement comes just days after Apple released iOS 27.2 on October 26. Earlier reports suggested the first iOS 27.3 beta would arrive in early November, and Apple has now confirmed the testing window.
Apple Intelligence Features Coming to China
The update will introduce several AI capabilities that have already been available in other markets. Apple has also partnered with Alibaba to integrate its Qwen AI models into select experiences.
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The initial rollout includes:
- Writing Tools: Rewrite, proofread, and summarize text across supported apps.
- Live Translation: Translate conversations in Messages, FaceTime, Phone, and supported AirPods.
- Visual Intelligence: Understand images and ask questions using Alibaba’s Qwen.
- Genmoji: Generate custom emoji from text descriptions.
- Photos Clean Up: Remove unwanted objects from pictures.
- Notifications: Access AI-generated summaries and priority alerts.
However, Apple’s newer Siri AI assistant and Image Playground will remain unavailable in China with iOS 27.3.
iOS 27.3 Beta Release Date and Compatibility
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Beta testing begins | November 4, 2026 |
| Public release | December 2026 |
| Supported devices | iPhone 15 Pro and newer |
| Supported languages | English and Simplified Chinese |
| Initial platform | iPhone only |
Apple says iPad, Mac, and other devices will receive these features after obtaining additional regulatory approvals.
The upcoming update also marks an important expansion of Apple Intelligence, following regulatory delays that prevented Apple from launching its AI features in mainland China alongside other markets.
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