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Apple has released a guide for Mac users in mainland China explaining how to link Alibaba's Qwen AI service to Siri and other system features. Because many Western AI services are restricted in China, Apple needs local partners to provide these features to its Chinese customers.

This is a win for Alibaba's cloud division. By becoming a primary AI provider for Apple's hardware, Alibaba can get its technology in front of millions of high-end users. It helps cement the company's position as a leader in the Chinese AI market at a time when it is looking for new ways to grow its cloud revenue.

Source: Reuters

Alibaba is reportedly planning to charge its largest users for the next version of its Qwen AI model. While the software is open-source, meaning the code is free for anyone to see and use, the company may ask for a cut of the revenue from businesses that use it at a massive scale.

This move shows Alibaba is looking for ways to turn its popular AI models into a real business. If the company can successfully charge its biggest users without driving them away, it would provide a new stream of profit for its cloud and technology arm.

Source: Reuters

Alibaba will share its financial results for the quarter that ended in June on August 20. Management will also hold a conference call that morning to discuss the numbers and the company's outlook. These reports are the main way for owners to see if the company is successfully defending its retail market share and growing its cloud business.

Source: Business Wire

Vast is a Chinese artificial intelligence startup that has reached unicorn status, meaning it is valued at over 1 billion dollars. Alibaba and Baidu are both backers of the firm, which is now looking for fresh capital and exploring a path to go public. For Alibaba, this is part of a broader strategy to own stakes in the most promising AI companies in China. If Vast successfully raises money at a higher valuation or completes an initial public offering, the first time a company sells its shares to the public, it would increase the value of Alibaba's investment and strengthen its position in the country's AI market.

Source: WSJ

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Alibaba on behalf of investors who bought the stock between June 2025 and June 2026. The complaint alleges the company failed to inform shareholders that it was considered a Chinese military company, which could expose it to U.S. regulatory crackdowns.

While law firms often file these suits after a stock drop, the specific claim regarding military ties is a serious one. If U.S. regulators formalize such a designation, it could lead to investment bans or other restrictions that would make it difficult for international investors to hold the stock.

Source: Business Wire