The on-device features dubbed 'Apple Intelligence' were first released in the US and other countries in autumn 2024, marking the firm's first major push into generative AI. (EPA Images pic)BEIJING: Apple began on Wednesday a long-delayed trial rollout of in-house artificial intelligence tools for Chinese users, playing catch-up to homegrown smartphone makers in a major market for the US giant.

The on-device features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" were first released in the US and other countries in autumn 2024, marking the firm's first major push into generative AI.

But strict Chinese regulatory requirements for the fast-evolving technology have held back its launch there – as well as the fact that models from Google and OpenAI, which Apple has used elsewhere to boost its own AI capabilities, are not available in the country.