Apple Inc.’s iPhones will use Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s artificial intelligence technology in China, the Chinese firm’s chairman said, affirming reports that the e-commerce pioneer had scored a coveted role in helping power the iPhone.

Apple’s introduction of AI features has been slow. The iPhone 16 launched without Apple Intelligence, which only appeared a month later. In China, strict regulations have prevented Apple from releasing any AI features. Consequently, Apple’s sales have dropped for the first time in years.