How to Permanently Enable Apple AI on China-Sold Mac Devices: A Step-by-Step Guide

Apple AI Feature Enabled
(Image: Apple Intelligence interface after successful activation)

Why This Guide Matters

Since Apple introduced Apple Intelligence (Apple AI) in 2025, users of China-sold Mac devices have faced regional restrictions blocking access to advanced AI features like “Clean Up” in Photos. While Apple claims these limitations are due to “localization requirements,” technical analysis reveals hardware and software checks targeting devices sold in China. This guide provides a SIP-free, zero-background-service method to permanently unlock Apple AI on macOS 15.1–15.5, including beta versions.

Technical Breakdown: How Apple’s Restrictions Work

Apple’s Three-Layer Lock System

  1. Hardware Region Code Verification
    Every device embeds an OS_ELIGIBILITY_INPUT_DEVICE_REGION_CODE (China: CN).
  2. Language Validation
    System/Siri language must match supported locales (Simplified Chinese/US English only).
  3. Dynamic Database Checks
    The eligibilityd service validates /private/var/db/eligibilityd/eligibility.plist at boot.

The Permanent Bypass Method

This script uses a triple-layer injection technique:

  1. Memory Injection
    Executes the zouxian script to spoof AI-compatibility signals in eligibilityd.
  2. Persistence Hack
    Modifies ExternalBootDrive and RegionCode checks in system files to 0 (disabled).
  3. Lockdown Protection
    Applies chflags uchg to prevent macOS from reverting changes.

Full Tutorial: Enable Apple AI in 4 Steps (macOS 15.1–15.5 Supported)

✅ Prerequisites

Requirement Details
Mac Model M1 or newer (Intel unsupported)
macOS Version 15.1–15.5 Beta 4 (15.4.1 recommended)
Apple ID Non-China account (US confirmed, EU/JP untested)
Region Settings System Region: United States; Language: Simplified Chinese/US English
Network Stable access to GitHub (use a VPN in China)

Step 1: Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)

  1. Reboot into Recovery Mode (hold power button > enter password).
  2. Navigate to Utilities > Terminal.
  3. Run:

    csrutil disable && reboot  
  4. Verify SIP status after reboot:

    csrutil status  # Should show "disabled"  

Step 2: Run the Activation Script

For Chinese Users (CDN Accelerated):

curl -sL https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/kanshurichard/enableAppleAI@main/enable_ai.sh | bash  

Script Workflow:

  1. Downloads dependencies (30 seconds).
  2. Injects eligibilityd (watch for progress bars).
  3. Modifies system files.
  4. Locks files with immutable flags.

Critical Prompt: When the script asks “Check Apple Intelligence in System Settings”:

  • If enabled ✅: Press Enter to proceed.
  • If missing ❌: Press Ctrl+C and troubleshoot region/language settings.

Step 3: Reboot & Validate Features

  1. Force reboot:

    sudo shutdown -r now  
  2. Navigate to System Settings > General > Apple Intelligence.
  3. Confirm activated features:

    • Intelligent Writing
    • Context Awareness
    • Photos Clean Up (v2.0 exclusive)

Step 4 (Optional): Re-enable SIP

For security, reactivate SIP after verification:

  1. Re-enter Recovery Mode.
  2. Run:

    csrutil enable  

Note: AI features remain active even with SIP enabled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

❗ Error: “Failed to inject into eligibilityd”

Fix:

  1. Check for legacy hacks:

    sudo launchctl list | grep -i eligible  
  2. Remove residual files:

    sudo rm -rf /Library/Apple/Library/Bundles/XcodeLLMEligible.bundle  
  3. Reboot and retry the script.

🌐 Siri Still Uses Baidu?

Apple routes services via IP. Fix by:

  1. Proxy these domains to non-China IPs:

    *.apple-dns.cn, *.apple-cloudkit.cn  
  2. Edit Hosts:

    104.77.22.33   api.siri.apple.com  

📁 External Boot Drive Not Working?

Temporary fix:

  1. Clone macOS to internal SSD:

    sudo asr --source /Volumes/External --target /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD --erase  
  2. Run the script on the internal drive.

Pro Tip: Use a Chinese Apple ID

Although unsupported, you can:

  1. Create a US Apple ID and enable Family Sharing.
  2. Switch to the US account under System Settings > Apple ID > Media & Purchases.
  3. Keep iCloud logged in with your Chinese ID.
  4. Run the script—AI features will link to the US account.

Security & Risks

  • ✅ No Data Loss Reported
  • ✅ Open-Source Script (GitHub)
  • ⚠️ Avoid macOS updates during activation.
  • ⚠️ Some banking apps may flag system modifications. Temporarily disable AI if needed.

Unlock Apple’s Full Potential Today

With this guide, Chinese Mac users can finally experience Apple Intelligence—whether enhancing photos with Clean Up or boosting productivity with AI writing tools. Bookmark this guide and share it with fellow users trapped by regional restrictions!

Start Now: Copy-paste the command below to begin:

curl -sL https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/kanshurichard/enableAppleAI@main/enable_ai.sh | bash