Apple (AAPL) is reportedly partnering with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba (BABA) to develop Apple Intelligence featu🎃res for iPhones in China, which analysts said could be a growth catalyst.

The companies have co-developed 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:artificial intelligence features and submitted them to Chinese internet regulators, according to a Reuters report citing The Information. Apple and Alibaba did not immediately respond to requests f💜or comment.💖

If successful, the partnership would bring a significant driver of iPhone upgrades to a market where Apple’s sales have struggled. CEO Tim Cook said Apple saw 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:record iPhone upgrades in its fiscal first-quarter, with stronger sales ꦇin markets where Apple Intelligence is available.

However, the AI features have been unavailable in China since their October launch, hitting Apple during the key holiday sales season. Greater China was the only region where Apple’s first-quarter sales 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:declined year-over-year, and iPhone sales in the country missed analღysts’ expectations.

Morgan Stanley analysts told clients Tuesday the reported Alibaba partnership would be "a critical catalyst for Apple’s competitive standing in China," and suggested it could solve Apple's iPhone sales slump in the country. JPMorgan also said the move supports "bull case expectations" leading up to the company's expected launch of the iPhone 17 this fall.

Apple shares rose more than 2% Tuesdayꦕ, and U.S.-listed shares of Alibaba gained 1%.

Correction—Feb. 11, 2025: This article has been updated to correctly state the date of Morgan Stanley's note to clients.