Apple Intelligence is starting testing on devices sold in mainland China. Before upgrading your primary phone, check the model and software version carefully. Apple’s schedule, announced on October 31, is to open the developer beta on November 4, with the official release in December alongside iOS 27.3. IT Home reported today that an entry point for the features has appeared. This article is based on official information and has not been tested on devices sold in mainland China.

These features already address specific needs. Writing Tools can rewrite, proofread, and summarize; Photos supports removing distractions and natural-language search; and Live Translation is coming to Messages, Phone, and FaceTime. You’ll need to judge how often you’ll use them yourself—the feature list doesn’t tell you how much time they’ll actually save each day.

Check device compatibility model by model. Apple lists iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 and later models, iPhone Air, and iPhone Duo. The standard iPhone 15 is not included. Device and Siri language requirements also apply: English and Simplified Chinese are supported, so don't just check whether the phone can install the new system.

There are also limitations to the Qwen integration. Some Siri, Writing Tools, and Visual Intelligence features can use Qwen, but you'll need to sign in to a Qwen account or use Sign in with Apple. This does not include Siri AI or other next-generation Apple Intelligence features announced at WWDC 2026. If you're looking forward to a completely new assistant, you'll need to keep an eye out for more information about its availability.

For headphone translation, you also need to check the model, firmware, and pairing requirements separately. Having a compatible iPhone doesn't mean every pair of AirPods you own is supported; don't buy accessories for a feature you haven't verified yet.

My view is that people who rely on one phone for work, receiving verification codes, and making payments can wait for the official release before deciding. If you do want to test it, first check the list of supported devices and the features you plan to use, then prepare a backup according to Apple's official testing instructions. This article doesn't offer ways to change regions or bypass restrictions, and it doesn't assume that third-party service allowances are free forever.

Which would you rather try first: photo search or phone call translation?

Sources: Apple China Newsroom, October 31; IT Home report, November 4.