I am currently in Saudi Arabia and bought an “international version” of iPhone 16 Pro. The seller sold a China model which does not have Apple Intelligence features currently.
My question is:
Will I be able to use Apple Intelligence in my China model number iPhone 16 pro in the Middle East or anywhere outside China once it is made available for the Chinese model iPhones?
iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26
You might be able to use Apple Intelligence, if it will be introduced for iPhones sold in China.
But even then, there might be different options for Apple Intelligence for the Chinese Apple Intelligence version.
iOS features are country specific and the iPhone will also ways install the country specific iOS version and all its features, no matter where you download the software or to which region/country your Apple Account is registered to.
iOS and iPadOS 26 - Feature Availability - Apple
Plus, the warranty can also be restricted by Apple to that country, in case of a warranty claim, you might have to send it back to the country of origin.
There is no such thing as an "international version" of any iPhone. You bought a gray market phone that was sold in China.
It has not warranty outside of China and is subject to restrictions imposed by the Chinese government.
Apple Intelligence Feature in China Model of iPhone 16 Pro
